Jülich Launches Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer For Supercomputing Integration

Insider Brief

• Forschungszentrum Jülich has inaugurated JION, a trapped-ion quantum computer intended to help researchers and companies test quantum computing alongside conventional supercomputers.
• Developed with eleQtron through a partnership receiving about 21 million euros in state funding, JION uses microwaves and magnetic fields to control charged ytterbium atoms.
• Two additional projects will each receive up to about 25 million euros to develop scalable trapped-ion technology and integrate a semiconductor quantum computer with up to 200 qubits into Jülich’s infrastructure.
• Official Launch of JION Quantum Computer at Jülich: Dr Michael Johanning, CTO of eleQtron, Jan Leisse, CEO of eleQtron, Minister-President Hendrik Wüst, Minister Ina Brandes, Prof. Dr Kristel Michielsen, Director of JSC, Prof. Dr Astrid Lambrecht, Chair of the Board of Directors of Forschungszentrum Jülich, and Prof. Dr Dr Thomas Lippert, Director of JSC. (Land NRW / Marius Becker)

Germany’s Forschungszentrum Jülich has inaugurated a quantum computer intended to help researchers and companies test how quantum processors can work alongside conventional supercomputers.

The system, called JION, is operational at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, according to the research center. Its first public calculation was performed during the inauguration ceremony.