Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AQLAS (Advanced lasers for quantum technologies)
Reporting period: 2024-05-01 to 2025-04-30
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.
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.
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%.
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%.
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.