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02 Oct 2024
Highly integrated optical fiber collimation package from Infleqtion emerged out of 'QT Assemble' consortium research.
Photonics manufacturer Thorlabs and quantum technology pioneer Infleqtion are teaming up to commercialize an optical fiber collimator designed for quantum applications.
Initially developed as part of the UK government-funded “QT Assemble” project led by the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), the package is said to deliver a linearly polarized collimated beam with high extinction ratio and integrated power monitoring.
“By simplifying the design and enhancing performance, this package offers a compact, robust solution tailored to the stringent demands of quantum technology applications,” announced the two firms.
“Reliable and more cost-effective solutions like these are aiding the commercial readiness of quantum technology, and are increasing the likelihood of its economic impact across a wide spectrum of industries.”
Advanced collimation
Running since August 2020 and scheduled to end in February 2025, the £7.3 million QT Assemble effort brought together a consortium of UK companies and universities to develop novel assembly and integration processes for emerging quantum technology applications.
Alongside Fraunhofer CAP and Infleqtion (previously known as ColdQuanta), the project included the likes of Skylark Lasers, Alter Technology, Photon Force and others to work on waveguide writing, nanoscale alignment, and monolithic integration to deliver new levels of performance in robust and reliable platforms.
They aimed to demonstrate high-performance components and systems like highly integrated lasers, photon sources, photon detectors, and ultra-cold matter systems deemed necessary for quantum sensing and computing applications.
The licensing agreement between Infleqtion and Thorlabs is intended to give more researchers and product development teams access to the advanced collimation capabilities on offer, hopefully accelerating the development of quantum technologies.
Critical components
Tim Ballance, the president of Infleqtion UK, said: “The real promise of quantum technologies is seen when research turns into tangible products that solve real-world problems. This partnership is the next step in driving breakthroughs that will bring quantum solutions to the global market faster.”
Keith Dhese, the general manager of Thorlabs’ UK operation, added: “Through QT Assemble, it’s exciting to see the UK playing such a central role in the global deployment of compact, robust technologies to the fast-growing quantum field.
“Thorlabs is excited to collaborate with quantum technology companies like Infleqtion to accelerate the commercialization of the critical components that will drive the next generation of advancements in quantum technology.
“Thorlabs’ high degree of vertical integration in engineering and manufacturing positions it strongly for these types of partnerships.”
• In related news Thorlabs president Jennifer Cable, daughter of the company’s founder Alex Cable, has joined the advisory board of Boston-based venture capital outfit J2 Ventures.
Among J2’s portfolio companies are laser satellite communications pioneer Aalyria, biometrics sensing startup Lumia Health, and recently funded quantum sensing specialist Mesa Quantum.
“It is clear the J2 team has unprecedented access to some of the most exciting companies in our space and I am excited to take our mutual passion to the next level as an advisor to their team,” said Jennifer Cable in a company announcement.
“I look forward to continuing to help the team advise founders, especially with scaling their supply chain and manufacturing and help the team grow into some incredible opportunities to commercialize and scale cutting-edge technologies.”
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