Forschungszentrum Jülich And EleQtron Launch JION Trapped-ion Quantum Computer

Image: Copyright: Forschungszentrum Jülich / Kurt Steinhausen Copyright: Sichtplan · fz-juelich.de

Forschungszentrum Jülich and eleQtron have launched JION, a trapped-ion quantum computer built on ionized ytterbium atoms, a technology differing from superconducting systems that do not require operation at temperatures near absolute zero. Developed in North Rhine-Westphalia, JION will integrate with Jülich’s existing supercomputers through the JUNIQ user infrastructure, enabling hybrid quantum-classical computations for researchers and industry, the company says. North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst hailed JION as emphasizing the collaboration between politics, research, and industry that brought the system to life.

JION is realized as part of the EPIQ project, funded with around € 21 million from the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. EPIQ was born out of the quantum computing network “EIN Quantum NRW”.

JONI: Inauguration of Jülich’s Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer

JION, the newly inaugurated quantum computer at Jülich Supercomputing Centre, utilizes ionized ytterbium atoms as qubits, a distinct approach from superconducting systems requiring near-absolute zero temperatures. This foundational choice impacts the computer’s operational requirements and potential scalability, positioning JION within a growing diversity of quantum computing architectures.