Photo Credit: Drew Bird Photography.
Pioneer in the field of quantum-classical computing, Rigetti Computing has unveiled the Novera Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), its most recent invention. With its superior capabilities, this device is a big step forward for the quantum computing sector, catering to a broad range of customers from researchers to corporate businesses.
Based on Rigetti’s fourth generation Ankaa-class architecture, the Novera QPU is unique in that it has a 9-qubit chip. Tunable couplers and a square lattice architecture are two key components of this architecture that allow for faster 2-qubit processing and denser connection. These properties are important because they can speed up quantum computing activities, increasing their efficiency and practicality for real-world applications.
The Novera QPU from Rigetti is manufactured in the company’s Fab-1 facility, which is noteworthy for being one of the first integrated and dedicated quantum device production areas in the industry. Every item manufactured is guaranteed to be of the highest caliber and innovativeness thanks to this internal manufacturing, according to Rigetti itself.
Furthermore, the Novera QPU is not limited to the 9-qubit device. A 5-qubit chip is also included, which is intended for single-qubit operation development and testing. For scientists and programmers working on the foundational elements of quantum computing, such gate design and quantum algorithm creation, this feature could be crucial.
The QPU has a “sophisticated, well-planned design.” It has a puck that can accommodate the 5- and 9-qubit chips, interposers, and a PCB for signal routing. Coaxial cables are connected via a tower that is suspended from the mixing chamber plate (MXC) of a dilution refrigerator between the puck and the SMA patch panel. Additionally, the tower is essential in providing the chips with cooling power. Shields are used to insulate the puck from outside interferences such as stray magnetic fields and infrared radiation in order to improve the QPU's performance. In addition, the QPU has payload brackets and a signal chain around the tower that includes signal conditioning components including filters, diplexers, and ferrite isolators.
Valued at $900,000 by Rigetti
In highlighting the importance of the Novera QPU, Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO of Rigetti, said, "Our new Novera QPU enables hands-on access to our most innovative quantum computing technology." He stressed that Novera QPU has a major advantage over other quantum computing devices for academics and other users since it has the same architecture as Rigetti's 84-qubit Ankaa systems.
Similar remarks were made by David Rivas, CTO of Rigetti, who emphasized that the Novera QPU's release is a momentous occasion for the quantum computing community. As a significant step toward democratizing quantum computing technology, Novera QPU provides consumers with on-premise access to years of Rigetti's own research and development, claims Rivas.
Gate-based quantum computing that is universal is supported by the Novera QPU. It is intended to support professionals in quantum error correction (QEC) experimentation, system characterization and calibration, and hybrid quantum algorithm testing and development. Because of its adaptability, it may be used by companies developing control electronics and software, QEC decoders, and native gate designs, among other parts of their quantum computing stack.
The Novera QPU is valued at $900,000 by Rigetti, which would be commensurate with its sophisticated capabilities and ability to make a major impact in the area of quantum computing. Orders for the Novera QPU may be ordered via the Rigetti website; 4-6 weeks should pass after confirmation for delivery, including time for shipping and logistics to be finalized.
