Advanced lasers for quantum technologies

Project Information

AQLAS

Grant agreement ID: 101159049

DOI

10.3030/101159049

EC signature date 27 March 2024

Start date 1 May 2024

End date 30 April 2027

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 483 740,00

EU contribution

€ 2 483 740,00

Coordinated by

ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI RICERCA METROLOGICA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AQLAS (Advanced lasers for quantum technologies)

Reporting period: 2024-05-01 to 2025-04-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The AQLAS project is developing a next-generation laser module designed specifically for atomic quantum computers. Its goal is to offer a compact, robust, and fully automated system that requires little to no maintenance—unlike current solutions, which depend heavily on highly skilled personnel for setup and ongoing adjustments.

As quantum computing moves from research labs to industrial production, reducing operational complexity and cost becomes critical. AQLAS responds to this need by creating a laser module that is easy to integrate, user-friendly, and production-ready. The device is being developed with direct input from quantum computing companies and will be validated in real-world quantum hardware.

By eliminating the need for manual intervention and making laser control as seamless as possible, AQLAS contributes to the wider adoption and scalability of quantum technologies in Europe and beyond.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first reporting period, the initial two versions of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of the laser module were developed and successfully tested. Both MVPs operate with light emission at 840 nm, delivering output power in the range of several tens of milliwatts and a linewidth on the order of a few tens of kHz.

Each unit features a laser head based on INRIM’s proprietary design, an Optical Frequency Discriminator (OFD) supplied by Silentsys, and all necessary electronics for the module control. This includes PID controllers for laser frequency and OFD temperature stabilization. The system parameters are adjustable by the end user via two integrated touch screens.

The modules are equipped with two fiber-coupled laser outputs using polarization-maintaining fibers. The primary output delivers 90% of the optical power, while the secondary output provides the remaining 10%.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The MVPs have already an immediate impact in the market, as they are already in the form of a sellable product. To match the specific quantum computing needs, however, it will be crucial to ensure an absolute accuracy of the laser frequency. Further activities will be soon carried out to reach this ambitious goal.

AQLAS MVP in laboratory environment