A neutral-atom quantum computer in the UK is being upgraded to push it deeper into the regime where it can outperform classical machines on useful tasks. Quantum computers promise to solve certain problems far faster than today’s computers, but current machines are still too small and error-prone for most real-world applications. The SQALE testbed, built by ColdQuanta UK (Infleqtion) at the National Quantum Computing Centre, uses trapped neutral atoms entangled through Rydberg interactions—an approach that combines high-fidelity qubits with a density unmatched by other methods. This upgrade aims to improve the machine’s performance and control systems, providing a step-change in capability. If successful, the work will keep the UK at the cutting edge of quantum computing hardware. The improved control systems will feed into Infleqtion’s global quantum portfolio and the wider industry. The project also works with government and local stakeholders to identify applications where quantum advantage could deliver economic and societal value—potentially in security, logistics, or other sectors that rely on complex optimisation. The research is applied, not fundamental: it directly targets near-term, NISQ-era quantum advantage.
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Quantum computing has a significant role to play in a wide variety of computing tasks and is seeing major investment from both the private and public sector worldwide. Even with NISQ-era computers, there are many applications which are of great interest. ColdQuanta UK (CQUK, d.b.a. Infleqtion) are constructing a world-leading neutral-atom quantum computing testbed, named SQALE, at the NQCC using our innovative approach to quantum computing - using trapped neutral atoms entangled through Rydberg-mediated interactions. This approach combines the fidelity and universality of atomic qubits with a density that is unparalleled by other approaches. This enables cold atom quantum computers to reach scales of qubits deep within the NISQ-regime in a single device at room temperature and provides a clear technical path for scalability and fault-tolerance. To best serve the UK quantum industry and ensure the SQALE device remains at the cutting-edge of technology, a consortium of UK experts is collaborating to upgrade the device and to rigorously benchmark the improvements. In addition to providing a step-change in machine performance, the R&D efforts involved in the upgrades will push the boundaries of neutral-atom control systems in ways that will be exploited across Infleqtion's global quantum computing portfolio, and the wider quantum technology industry In parallel to upgrading the SQALE device, our project team will work with key stakeholders that will benefit from the numerous advantages quantum computing will bring to the UK. From applications of security with the national government to the economic and societal impact at the local governmental level, by also bringing together expertise in quantum software we will help the NQCC to deliver its core mission of using quantum computing to unlock economical and societal value for the British public.
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