Integrated Photonics
The Future of Scalable Quantum Systems
Introduction to Quantum Chip-Scale
Integrated photonics is transforming how quantum systems are built, miniaturized, and deployed. At Infleqtion, we believe silicon photonics and photonic-integrated circuits (PICs) are the key to unlocking the full commercial potential of quantum computing, sensing, and timing. By embedding photonic functionality into chip-scale platforms, Infleqtion is pioneering the transition from bulky, lab-bound optical systems to compact, rugged systems ready for real-world applications.
The commercialization of quantum systems is likely to follow a trajectory similar to that of adjacent industries such as telecommunications—beginning with ‘physics experiments’ on optical tables, as seen in current quantum computing platforms, progressing to fiber-interconnected components and subsystems (including PIC-based elements) as seen in Tiqker and Sqywire, and ultimately advancing toward full PIC-based quantum systems. The timing of this evolution is application-dependent. However, realizing full PIC-based quantum systems will require strategic prioritization and significant investment at the national level in the development of silicon photonics foundries and fabrication processes. These foundries must enable the flexible integration of diverse materials to support optical functionality across a broad wavelength range—including waveguides, gain, modulation, tuning, nonlinearity, and isolation.
Why Integrated Photonics Matters for Quantum
Neutral atom quantum systems depend on photonics for precision laser systems, laser frequency control, and atom-addressing. Today, these photonic subsystems account for more than 90% of the cost, size, and power requirements of quantum systems. Integrated photonics enables us to:
- Replace large, table-top laser systems with chip-scale laser systems
- Provide unprecedented laser frequency control with PIC based frequency combs
- Scale-up and speed-up neutral atom quantum computers with fast chip-scale spatial light modulators
- Scale-up manufacturing of cell-based quantum sensors using meta-surfaces
- Achieve 10× – 10,000× reductions in cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP)
- Manufacture integrated photonics using CMOS foundry technologies – the same infrastructure behind CPUs and GPUs—unlocking scalability, cost and reliability
- Move quantum systems from the lab to data centers, aircraft, mobile platforms, and space
This evolution parallels the telecom/datacom industry, where photonic integration transformed room-sized optical systems into pluggable modules. Infleqtion is applying telecom lessons-learned directly to quantum.
Infleqtion’s Photonics Vision
By integrating PICs into every layer of our quantum portfolio — clocks, radio frequency (RF) sensing, computing, and inertial navigation—we’re creating:
Miniaturized optical atomic clocks like Tiqker, enabled by PIC-based lasers and frequency combs.
Quantum-RF receivers like Sqywire, achieving ultra-broadband sensitivity in a compact package; incorporating PIC based lasers, plus a PIC based Tiqker in every quantum RF system.
Chip-scale quantum computers (UHV Cell + PICs + control ICs) that will eventually fit into workstation form factors.
Ruggedized inertial sensors for assured navigation where GPS is unavailable.
Through partnerships with leading photonics companies and foundries, Infleqtion is building the supply chain and prototypes today that will power tomorrow’s PIC-enabled quantum industry.
Photonics at the Core of Tomorrow’s Quantum Systems
Integrated photonics is more than an enabling technology—it is the path to scalable, deployable quantum systems. With integrated photonics at the core, Infleqtion is leading the charge to bring quantum computing and sensing into every industry and environment.
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