IBM has successfully connected and cooled two cryogenic modules into a single environment in a milestone for quantum computing. The new modular architecture is designed to scale into a system capable of linking hundreds of quantum chips, advancing IBM's roadmap to deliver the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029.

The two modules, standing over 8 feet tall and wide, can jointly cool to 4 Kelvin in under five days and reach a final temperature below 15 millikelvin — more than 180 times colder than deep space. Each module offers up to 12 times more wiring space than the most widely used IBM quantum systems, enabling more chip-to-chip connections both within and between modules.

The box-shaped design allows modules to connect in a tight row and directly link quantum processors using IBM's L-coupler technology, which connects separate quantum chips to share information and operate as part of a larger quantum computer. By 2027, IBM plans to use L-couplers to link multiple processors into a system with at least 1,000 programmable qubits.

"Bringing fault-tolerant quantum computers to industries depends on several fundamental advances," said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research. "The successful connection and operation of these cryogenic modules signals a leap forward in that direction."

The cryogenic modules are designed to house thousands of qubits each by the time Quantum Starling is delivered. IBM will install Quantum Nighthawk processors into the modules later this year to expand operational performance testing.

The architecture builds on three essential components from IBM Quantum System Two, now re-engineered so each part can be independently tested, improved, and rapidly iterated. The milestone represents progress on one of the major hurdles IBM must overcome to build practical, large-scale quantum computers.

Sources