Quantum Brilliance Launches First On-Site Quantum Computer in the U.S.

Quantum Brilliance has installed its first on-site quantum computer cluster in the United States at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This significant deployment marks a milestone in the integration of quantum technology with classical high-performance computing (HPC). The Quantum Development Kit (QDK), featuring a hybrid platform that combines quantum processing units (QPUs) with traditional GPU and CPU components, will enable researchers to explore innovative workflows in quantum-classical computing.

Innovative Technology at Oak Ridge

The QDK represents a notable advancement in quantum computing. According to Andreas Sawadsky, the technology and innovation manager at Quantum Brilliance, this system includes QPUs with two qubits each. This is the first instance of a multiple-hybrid system operating in a parallelized cluster, which is a groundbreaking achievement for quantum computing integrated into HPC environments.

The ORNL installation follows Quantum Brilliance’s initial deployment in 2022 at the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre in Perth, Australia, which marked the world’s first on-premise integration of a QPU into an HPC setting. The new system at ORNL underscores the company’s commitment to advancing quantum computing capabilities at leading research institutions.

Room Temperature Quantum Computing

At the core of Quantum Brilliance’s technology are nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in diamond, which serve as the fundamental units of quantum information. These atomic-scale defects enable the manipulation of qubit states using laser light and microwave pulses. This diamond-based approach offers a significant advantage: unlike many quantum systems that require extreme cooling to maintain coherence, Quantum Brilliance’s QPUs operate effectively at room temperature.

Sawadsky explained that the robustness of diamond as a material minimizes the thermal energy that typically disrupts qubit coherence. The intrinsic stability of NV centres in diamond allows the QPUs to function without the complex and costly infrastructure required by other technologies. This innovation not only reduces the size and weight of quantum computing systems but also makes them more accessible for practical applications in data centres, satellites, and edge devices.

The company’s focus is on delivering quantum utility in HPC environments. By aiming to create QPUs that outperform classical systems of comparable size and power, Quantum Brilliance is positioning itself as a leader in the field. Sawadsky noted that the long-term vision includes compact QPUs that could potentially fit in a lunchbox, revolutionizing how quantum technology is deployed across various sectors.

A Unique Identity

The newly installed cluster at ORNL has been named “Quoll,” after an Australian marsupial. This playful nod reflects Quantum Brilliance’s roots as an Australian startup while also symbolizing the innovative architectural approach taken by the company, where multiple QPUs collaborate within HPC systems for scalable quantum acceleration.

Quantum Brilliance is not just focused on its technological advancements; it also aims to facilitate the mass deployment of quantum technology across the globe. With a growing network of international partnerships, including collaborations in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, the company is dedicated to integrating quantum computing into everyday devices and high-performance systems.

As the field of quantum computing continues to evolve, Quantum Brilliance’s commitment to practical, scalable solutions positions it at the forefront of this transformative technology. The installation at ORNL will serve as a critical step in exploring how quantum systems can enhance existing computing paradigms, paving the way for future innovations in the industry.