Advanced lasers for quantum technologies

Informazioni relative al progetto

AQLAS

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101159049

DOI

10.3030/101159049

Data della firma CE 27 Marzo 2024

Data di avvio 1 Maggio 2024

Data di completamento 30 Aprile 2027

Finanziato da

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Costo totale

€ 2 483 740,00

Contributo UE

€ 2 483 740,00

Coordinato da

ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI RICERCA METROLOGICA
Italy

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

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2024-05-01 al 2025-04-30

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

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.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

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%.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

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