Compact laser amplifiers for ion trap quantum computers

More Powerful Ion Trap A Novel Laser Amplifier Gives Quantum Computers a Boost

2026-06-26 Source: Fraunhofer IZM | GTranslated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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A central technological hurdle on the way to more powerful quantum computers was the lack of compact and stable laser amplifiers. That is about to change...

With the validation of the laser amplifier on an ion trap quantum computer from "NeQxt," in collaboration with Fraunhofer IZM in Berlin, a building block for Europe's technological sovereignty in quantum computing is being established.(Image: "NeQxt") — With the validation of the laser amplifier on an ion trap quantum computer from "NeQxt," in collaboration with Fraunhofer IZM in Berlin, a building block for Europe's technological sovereignty in quantum computing is being established.
(Image: "NeQxt")

Ion trap quantum computers are, according to experts, among the most promising systems worldwide for fault-tolerant quantum computing. However, as the number of qubits increases, so do the demands on the optical control of the qubits. For safe operation, laser sources are required that are powerful while also offering the highest spectral precision and stability. This is where the "QAmp" project comes in. Within its framework, amplifier modules for relevant wavelengths (455 and 493 nanometers) are being developed, which can be integrated into existing and future quantum computers to help eliminate the bottleneck in scaling ion-based systems. Together with "NeQxt" GmbH and EOT GmbH, the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) in Berlin is working to also establish the prerequisites for a robust European supply chain in this critical technological field.

Intra-German Supply Chain in Quantum Technology in Sight

The IZM contributes its proven expertise in packaging and interconnection technology as well as in the robust integration of electro-optical components. The goal is to work with the project partners to develop amplifier modules that not only function at a laboratory scale but can also support reproducible and potentially automatable manufacturing. These modules are set to be tested on a corresponding ion trap in a quantum computer. The project is therefore far more than a component project; it lays the foundation for scaling future quantum computers, as emphasized. The developed modules will then be validated on an existing quantum computer by "NeQxt." If successful, this will not only demonstrate technical feasibility but also make a concrete contribution to the industrial availability of quantum computers. Furthermore, as previously indicated, the initiative aims to establish a domestic German supply chain for key wavelengths, thus strengthening technical sovereignty in Germany and Europe in the field of quantum technologies.

Christian Nietner is Innovation Center Lead for Quantum Computing at NTT Data DACH (Image:NTT Data)

The IZM Contributes the Amplifier and Isolator

The project directly addresses political goals to strengthen innovation capacity, supply chain resilience, and economic exploitation in quantum computing. For the IZM, its involvement underscores the strategic importance of microintegration and packaging technologies as enablers for future quantum systems. A particular focus of innovation lies in the highly integrated design. At the Fraunhofer IZM, the amplifier and the isolator, specifically developed for the required wavelengths, are being integrated together into a compact, hermetic glass package. The amplified light is then delivered to its target via optical fiber. However, there are several hurdles to overcome...

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