NATO-backed Ephos has announced the opening of a production facility dedicated to glass-based quantum photonic chips. This is a world first, according to the startup. The facility will produce chips that can power quantum applications in computing, sensing, and communications, as well as improve the performance of classical computing.
The Technology Behind the Chips
Photonic chips use photons to carry and process information. They also rely on optical fibres to enable connections with other optical in-chip components, or to interface with devices such as sensors. Ephos has developed a proprietary manufacturing process that enables it to move away from silicon and build photonic chips with glass substrates — the same material used in optical fibres.
Signal loss represents a major challenge in building quantum computers. The startup’s technology reduces signal loss by a significant amount compared to industry standards for photonic chips. According to Andrea Rocchetto, co-founder and CEO at Ephos, “Quantum information, such as that encoded in photons, cannot be copied. Therefore, whenever a signal is lost at a too high rate it will make the quantum computer inoperable.”
Ephos is building its chips entirely in-house, which Rocchetto described as “a unique advantage.” The startup’s supply chain is also based entirely in the EU and the US. This focus on a strategic technology like quantum combined with the ability to manufacture it in the West has attracted the interest of NATO.
The startup recently received €450,000 non-dilutive funding as part of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program. Additionally, Ephos has raised $8.5mn in seed funding, led by US-based Starlight Ventures. The capital will help accelerate the launch of its new manufacturing facility and support the operation and expansion of its team in San Francisco.