(ScienceBusiness) ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) establish a joint centre for the development of quantum computers. Its aim is to advance the realization of quantum computers based on both ion traps and superconducting components. ETH Zurich provides 32 million francs for this centre, which will host around 30 researchers.
Quantum computers are bulky, error-prone and difficult to build. Currently, researchers at ETH Zurich operate quantum computers with up to 17 quantum bits, so-called qubits. For quantum computers to be able to unfold their full potential one day, however, devices with thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of qubits are needed.
The next step is to develop quantum computers with more than 100 qubits. To this end, ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen are opening the “ETH Zurich – PSI Quantum Computing Hub”. Detlef Günther, Vice President for Research at ETH Zurich, is convinced that “the cooperation with PSI will enable ETH to further expand its leading position in the field of quantum-computing engineering”. More than 30 scientists will work in the new hub. Under the leadership of ETH professors Andreas Wallraff and Jonathan Home they will pursue research in the two technology areas of superconducting circuits and ion traps. In the future, further groups working on related topics will complement the research centre.
ETH Zurich and PSI found Quantum Computing Hub
