IonQ completes ion trap vacuum package prototype

IonQ (IONQ) announced the completion of its next-generation ion trap vacuum package prototype intended to realize smaller, more compact, room temperature quantum systems. The company has completed an assembly chamber capable of manufacturing miniaturized ion trap vacuum packages that can sustain Extreme High Vacuum – levels that are comparable to the vacuum levels found on the surface of the Moon. The company said, “IonQ’s innovative approach aims to allow quantum systems to operate without any cryogenically enhanced vacuum, leading to a material reduction in energy consumption and, in turn, computational energy costs. The miniaturized and simplified components resulting from this approach are designed to be modular and replaceable – greatly reducing complexity and maintenance overhead. In addition, this approach supports IonQ’s focus on enterprise-grade capabilities to accelerate system manufacturability, installation, and maintenance.”