Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon TechnologyQuantum computers are considered a key technology for solving highly complex scientific and industrial problems. This requires new hardware concepts that are highly integrated and scalable.
A significant milestone has now been reached in the development of the next generation of quantum computing: the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT) has successfully created an ion trap on a glass substrate incorporating integrated micromagnets, and has delivered the finished wafer to the quantum computing company eleQtron. At the heart of this innovation lies Fraunhofer ISIT's patented PowderMEMS technology, combined with the microstructuring of glass substrates. This enables ion traps to be produced on glass wafers with application-specific micromagnets precisely integrated at wafer level.
PowderMEMS: A new dimension for 3D microstructures
Fraunhofer ISIT's PowderMEMS technology enables the production of three-dimensional, functional microstructures directly at wafer level. Virtually any material, including metals and magnetic powders, can be integrated into planar substrates, such as silicon, glass, or ceramics. High-precision structures with lateral dimensions of 20–4000 μm and a thickness of several hundred micrometres can be realised. The resulting components are mechanically stable, thermally resistant, and compatible with cleanrooms – even at process temperatures of up to 400 °C.
PowderMEMS technology allows micromagnets to be precisely integrated at the substrate level in freely definable geometries and arrangements. Thanks to the low process temperature, the magnets can be incorporated into substrates that already carry components. This technology therefore opens up new possibilities for microelectronic designs that cannot be achieved with traditional manufacturing processes.
Ion traps on a glass substrate
The wafer that has now been handed over features, for the first time, ion traps on a glass substrate in combination with PowderMEMS micromagnets. Directly integrating magnetic
structures at the substrate level enables the production of compact, reproducible and scalable quantum processor components.
Fraunhofer ISIT is therefore helping to make quantum computers available for real-world applications, including optimised materials science, logistics and supply chain management, and applications in pharmaceuticals, finance and big data.
Significance for quantum computing and societal applications
eleQtron's proprietary MAGIC (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling) control concept is being used to develop an ion-based quantum computing architecture, where qubits are controlled using microwave technology and magnetic coupling. This technology is considered particularly scalable and robust, addressing challenges such as precision, stability and mass production.
At a time when the demand for computing power, energy efficiency and problem-solving capabilities is increasing rapidly, quantum computing has the potential to be disruptive. The combination of microfabrication and quantum hardware paves the way for quantum computers that can be used not only in academic laboratories, but also for commercial applications.
Outlook & cooperation
eleQtron is now entering the next phase with the handover of the wafer: the evaluation of the ion trap and the development of scalable quantum hardware. eleQtron will continue to work with the Research Factory Microelectronics Germany (FMD), particularly Fraunhofer ISIT and Fraunhofer ENAS, on further developments, adaptations and prospective series production.
For Fraunhofer ISIT, this project provides impressive proof of how our innovative microtechnology platforms — PowderMEMS and glass microstructuring in this case — enable future-facing key technologies. We are delighted to be taking the next step in quantum computing with eleQtron and ENAS.
