Dilution refrigerator Quantum computer
Japan’s First Fully Domestic Quantum Computer Through Cryogenic Innovation Pioneered by ULVAC
By effectively creating a state-of-the-art dilution refrigerator especially intended for quantum computing applications, ULVAC, Inc. and ULVAC CRYOGENICS INC. have accomplished a noteworthy milestone in the field of quantum computing. With exclusively locally produced core components, Japan’s first wholly domestic quantum computer is expected to be manufactured largely to this breakthrough. On April 4, 2025, the recently created unit was set up at a prestigious Japanese quantum research facility. The University of Osaka’s Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology is the name given to this establishment.
One of Japan’s long-standing challenges has been to construct a quantum computer using only domestically sourced technology. A key component of this innovative quantum system, ULVAC’s cryogenic solution, demonstrates Japan’s growing competitiveness in the worldwide race towards quantum computing. Localized development promotes flexible scaling, supplier chain protection, and user operating risk reduction.
This system’s dilution refrigerator helps maintain the cryogenic conditions needed for high-precision qubit operations. The deployment and long-term usability of the quantum computer depend on this steady environment. For extended periods of time, the dilution refrigerator created by ULVAC can maintain a steady cryogenic temperature of about 10 mK. The accurate and dependable functioning of qubits, the fundamental building blocks of quantum information, depends critically on this exceptionally low temperature.
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This dilution refrigerator device is being marketed as a wholly Japanese-made quantum computer. Based on technology created in Japan, this certification indicates that the system incorporates all significant subsystems, such as the refrigeration, control electronics, and qubit chips. The dilution refrigerator component’s development was specifically spearheaded by ULVAC.
Numerous engineering obstacles have to be overcome during the development phase. These difficulties included controlling thermal contraction in the harsh environment of cryogenic temperatures, reducing vibration, and optimising cooling efficiency. The development team used creative techniques like precise component manufacture, customised flow path design, and sophisticated thermal-stress simulations to tackle these challenging problems. The technology finally achieved consistent and dependable cryogenic performance after extensive prototyping and testing.
ULVAC has chosen a modular architecture for the system in anticipation of future growth requirements. This design strategy aims to facilitate the system’s efficient evolution from lab settings to actual quantum computing platforms. ULVAC ensures an integrated supply chain by internally developing all cryogenic and vacuum technologies. Dilution refrigerators, pulse tube cryocoolers, and vacuum parts are examples. Since this integrated approach provides long-term availability and support, the system can meet current and future needs from cutting-edge research centres.
The accomplishment pleased Dr. Masamichi Saitoh, Lead Engineer at ULVAC CRYOGENICS INC., who was in charge of the dilution refrigerator’s development. According to him, “It has been a great honour, as a cryogenic engineer, to contribute to the cooling of a quantum computer using technologies developed entirely in Japan” . It’s “deeply rewarding” to watch the dilution refrigerator work at the vanguard of quantum research, he continued. Dr. Saitoh further underlined the team’s dedication to the future, saying, “This project marks just the beginning―we are committed to continuously advancing cryogenic performance and reliability for the future of quantum computing.”
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Beyond this important domestic partnership, ULVAC remains dedicated to the advancement of quantum computing. Leading companies in the global quantum ecosystem are beginning to notice the company’s strengths. As a major facilitator of next-generation technologies, ULVAC is utilising its extensive knowledge of vacuum and cryogenic technologies created in Japan. The company wants to keep helping the development of scalable quantum infrastructure and make a big difference in addressing important issues that society will face in the future.
Under the Moonshot Research & Development Program, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) provided some funding for this research and development project. This falls under Moonshot Goal 6: “Realisation of a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer that will revolutionise economy, industry, and security by 2050,” which is headed by Dr. Masahiro Kitagawa, the program director. “Development of Cryogenic Systems Specialised for Quantum Computing,” directed by Dr. Masamichi Saitoh (Project No. JPMJMS2067), was the research focus. The R&D project “Development of Integration Technologies for Superconducting Quantum Circuits,” led by Dr. Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, includes it.
Public demonstrations of the developing quantum computing system are planned for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. It will happen during the “entangle moment – [quantum | earth | universe] × art” event, which is scheduled for August 14–20, 2025. Event attendees will have the rare chance to engage with the system through the cloud, giving them a firsthand look into real-time quantum activities.
The Sales Planning Department of ULVAC CRYOGENICS INC. can be contacted by anyone interested in learning more about this development.
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