The partnership replaces complex laser setups with Spectrum’s microwave control systems.
Building powerful quantum computers has long been limited by one problem, controlling fragile quantum bits without complex laser systems or heavy cooling. German start-up eleQtron is addressing the issue by replacing lasers with microwaves, using Spectrum Instrumentation’s Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology to control trapped-ion qubits with electronic precision.
eleQtron’s MAGIC (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling) quantum processor design moves away from the industry’s dependence on laser optics. Instead, it relies on microwave radiation to manipulate qubits inside an electromagnetic trap. This reduces hardware complexity, power use, and system size — factors that have slowed the path to scalable quantum systems.
Spectrum Instrumentation supplies its Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) that produce and control the microwave signals needed to operate the processor. The AWGs generate multiple sine waves that determine each qubit’s frequency, phase, and amplitude, allowing stable and programmable control of quantum operations.
The collaboration positions Spectrum Instrumentation as a key supplier for emerging microwave-based quantum architectures to eleQtron, pushing to commercialise a low-cost, energy-efficient alternative to laser-controlled quantum processors.
In eleQtron’s setup, a high-frequency oscillator combines with Spectrum’s AWG output through a single sideband mixer to generate a 12.64 GHz signal. Using DDS modulation, the signal is tuned in steps of 3–5 MHz, enabling individual control of Ytterbium (¹⁷¹Yb⁺) ions while keeping crosstalk low.
The company uses Spectrum’s M4i.66xx-series AWGs, offering up to four channels running at 1.25 GS/s and the ability to generate up to 20 independent sine wave carriers per channel. This configuration allows simultaneous multi-qubit operations and faster gate implementation, essential for running larger quantum algorithms.
