Yaqumo picked for NEDO program to co-develop optical modules with SCREEN for neutral-atom QCs

【Article Title】 Yaqumo picked for NEDO program to co-develop optical modules with SCREEN for neutral-atom QCs 【Article Body】 AI TRANSLATION This article is an AI-generated translation of the original Japanese article. For the authoritative version, please refer to the original. Read the original Japanese article → (https://quantumindex.jp/yaqumo-nedo-screen-optical-module-research/) Yaqumo has been selected for NEDO’s components and materials development project for large-scale quantum computers and has begun joint research with SCREEN Holdings, a group best known for semiconductor manufacturing equipment that also develops and manufactures MEMS-based SLMs. In addition to improving performance and domestic production of core optical devices that support cold-atom quantum computers, the partners will work on modularization and interface standardization intended for multiple vendors. ✍️ Quantum Index Analysis The piece explains the technical and business significance behind the announcement and highlights evaluation points that aren’t obvious from numbers or headlines alone. Read our independent analysis ↓ Overview The joint research will develop a high-speed SLM (spatial light modulator) module capable of large-scale, high-speed individual-atom addressing. They will also advance the development of multi-wavelength-compatible objective lenses and optical component materials that are resistant to environmental changes, such as low-thermal-expansion materials. The optical and control systems will be restructured into functional units, and the team will examine a standard module architecture that can be commonly applied across multiple quantum computer vendors. They also plan to evaluate the applicability of photonic integrated circuitsphotonic integrated circuitsPhotonic Integrated Circuit / PIC / Photonic Integrated Circuit / PICA circuit that integrates optical components such as waveguides that guide light, modulators, and splitters on a semiconductor chip.QI NoteUsed not only for quantum applications but also in communications and sensing. In quantum-related publications, check how fully integrated the device is — in particular, whether the light source and detectors are included. (PICs) and establish a technology roadmap for miniaturizing the optical system. The components and modules developed are intended for integration into Yaqumo’s quantum computer. In the future, Yaqumo aims to establish mass-production and supply systems through partnerships with domestic companies and supply these modules to quantum computer vendors both in Japan and abroad. Key points • Yaqumo has been selected for NEDO’s “Components and materials development for realizing large-scale quantum computers” program • In collaboration with SCREEN, Yaqumo will develop an SLM module with a high refresh rate • They will establish multi-wavelength objective lenses and optical materials that support long-term stable operation • They will consider a module architecture and interface specifications intended for application across multiple vendors • They will evaluate the potential for optical-system miniaturization using photonic integrated circuits and formulate a technology roadmap Technical and business significance In cold-atom quantum computers, the optical systems used for atom positioning and quantum-gate operations determine device performance and scalability. Technically, this project is significant because it brings quantum-computer developers and manufacturing-technology companies together to jointly define specifications, perform real-device evaluations, and design modules to address shortcomings such as insufficient optical component performance, reliance on overseas suppliers, fragmented supply structures, and lack of modularization. From a business perspective, domestic production of components and common-moduleization could improve development efficiency and strengthen the supply base. However, the announcement does not disclose project duration, development budget, concrete performance targets, mass-production start timing, or intended customers, so the industrial impact will depend on future results. What to watch next Going forward, attention will focus on whether performance targets and real-device evaluation results for the high-speed SLM and multi-wavelength objective lenses are disclosed. Important questions include the modules’ stability and impact on gate performance when integrated into Yaqumo’s quantum computer, and whether the standard interfaces can be applied to other vendors’ systems. Details on mass-production methods, supply timing, and plans for external vendor provisioning will also be material to assessing the project’s commercial prospects. ✍️ Quantum Index Analysis This announcement should be seen not merely as component development by Yaqumo but as an effort to move lab-origin neutral-atom quantum technology closer to a device industry. Yaqumo, founded in 2025, has roots in the research of Yoshio Takahashi’s group at Kyoto University and Kenji Omori’s group at the Institute for Molecular Science. Professor Omori’s team has also been involved in supporting the launch of Infleqtion’s domestic full-stack neutral-atom quantum computer “Shunkai.” This NEDO project can be positioned as an effort to convert the optical systems needed for such real-device development into components and modules that are easier to mass-produce and supply. In the neutral-atom approachneutral-atom approachNeutral Atom Quantum Computer / Neutral Atom Quantum Computer / Neutral-Atom Quantum ComputingA quantum computing approach that traps and arranges neutral (uncharged) atoms using lasers or similar methods and uses their quantum states as qubits.QI NoteA characteristic is that many atoms can be arranged in a regular pattern relatively easily. When comparing performance, one should check not only the number of atoms but also gate fidelity, reconfiguration (rearrangement), and loss rates., increasing the number of atoms does not automatically translate to straightforward scaling. Capturing, rearranging, and individually manipulating atoms require many lasers and optical components, and as scale increases, adjustment, stabilization, and device footprint become challenges. Shunkai currently aims to scale from roughly 50 qubitsqubitsQubit / Quantum Bit / QubitThe basic unit of information in a quantum computer. It can represent not only 0 or 1 but also a quantum state that is a superposition of them.QI NoteHaving more qubits does not necessarily mean higher performance. Error rates, connectivity, coherence time, and the number of logical qubits are also important. to about 500 qubits and, in the long term, up to 10,000 physical qubitsphysical qubitsPhysical Qubit / Physical QubitIndividual qubits that are physically created and manipulated on a quantum processor. They are also used to form logical qubits.QI NoteA large number of physical qubits does not by itself indicate practical computational capability. Error rates, connectivity, and the number of physical qubits required per logical qubit are also important.. Supporting such scale-up requires not only the QPUQPUQuantum Processor / Quantum Processor / Quantum Processing Unit / QPUThe central part of the hardware that houses qubits and performs quantum computational operations such as quantum gates and measurements.QI NoteThe performance of a QPU cannot be judged by the number of qubits alone. Gate fidelity, connectivity, speed, error rates, and other factors must be considered together. but also the ability to stably build the surrounding optical systems. In that context, it is meaningful from a business perspective that Yaqumo and SCREEN are not only developing high-speed SLMs and objective lenses but are also considering modularization and interface standardization for multiple vendors. If the work remained limited to an optics system dedicated to their own device, it would be a single quantum-computer development project. If it becomes a common module that can be supplied to others, it could constitute a separate components and equipment business apart from the quantum computer itself. However, there is not yet enough track record to evaluate that potential. Specific performance targets for the high-speed SLM, measured improvement in real devices, and the specifications of any standard interfaces have not been disclosed, and PICs are still at the applicability-evaluation stage. Also, Infleqtion currently provides the QPU for Shunkai, so it remains unclear how much hardware Yaqumo will ultimately supply. Going forward, key indicators will be whether the developed optical modules are actually adopted in Yaqumo’s devices and Shunkai, and whether they can be deployed to other companies’ neutral-atom systems—these outcomes will determine whether the initiative can progress from R&D to an industrial supply base. Related articles • Pasqal and Eleven Ventures launch joint venture to deploy quantum systems in Saudi Arabia (https://en.quantumindex.jp/pasqal-eleven-ventures-saudi-arabia-joint-venture/) • Infleqtion supports operation of Japan’s first full-stack neutral-atom quantum computer “Shunkai” (https://en.quantumindex.jp/infleqtion-shunkai-neutral-atom-quantum-computer/) • QuEra and Zapata Quantum partner to jointly evaluate applications for fault-tolerant quantum computing (https://en.quantumindex.jp/quera-zapata-quantum-application-partnership/) Source Read the original announcement (https://yaqumo.com/news/462/) If you found this article useful, please consider sharing it. ──────────────────── 【AI Evaluation Request】 Evaluate the following article critically, not based on the quality of its writing, but on its **original informational value as a specialist publication**. 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Yaqumo has been selected for NEDO’s components and materials development project for large-scale quantum computers and has begun joint research with SCREEN Holdings, a group best known for semiconductor manufacturing equipment that also develops and manufactures MEMS-based SLMs. In addition to improving performance and domestic production of core optical devices that support cold-atom quantum computers, the partners will work on modularization and interface standardization intended for multiple vendors.

Overview

The joint research will develop a high-speed SLM (spatial light modulator) module capable of large-scale, high-speed individual-atom addressing. They will also advance the development of multi-wavelength-compatible objective lenses and optical component materials that are resistant to environmental changes, such as low-thermal-expansion materials. The optical and control systems will be restructured into functional units, and the team will examine a standard module architecture that can be commonly applied across multiple quantum computer vendors. They also plan to evaluate the applicability of photonic integrated circuitsphotonic integrated circuitsPhotonic Integrated Circuit / PIC / Photonic Integrated Circuit / PICA circuit that integrates optical components such as waveguides that guide light, modulators, and splitters on a semiconductor chip.QI NoteUsed not only for quantum applications but also in communications and sensing. In quantum-related publications, check how fully integrated the device is — in particular, whether the light source and detectors are included. (PICs) and establish a technology roadmap for miniaturizing the optical system. The components and modules developed are intended for integration into Yaqumo’s quantum computer. In the future, Yaqumo aims to establish mass-production and supply systems through partnerships with domestic companies and supply these modules to quantum computer vendors both in Japan and abroad.

Key points

• Yaqumo has been selected for NEDO’s “Components and materials development for realizing large-scale quantum computers” program
• In collaboration with SCREEN, Yaqumo will develop an SLM module with a high refresh rate
• They will establish multi-wavelength objective lenses and optical materials that support long-term stable operation
• They will consider a module architecture and interface specifications intended for application across multiple vendors
• They will evaluate the potential for optical-system miniaturization using photonic integrated circuits and formulate a technology roadmap

Technical and business significance

In cold-atom quantum computers, the optical systems used for atom positioning and quantum-gate operations determine device performance and scalability. Technically, this project is significant because it brings quantum-computer developers and manufacturing-technology companies together to jointly define specifications, perform real-device evaluations, and design modules to address shortcomings such as insufficient optical component performance, reliance on overseas suppliers, fragmented supply structures, and lack of modularization. From a business perspective, domestic production of components and common-moduleization could improve development efficiency and strengthen the supply base. However, the announcement does not disclose project duration, development budget, concrete performance targets, mass-production start timing, or intended customers, so the industrial impact will depend on future results.

What to watch next

Going forward, attention will focus on whether performance targets and real-device evaluation results for the high-speed SLM and multi-wavelength objective lenses are disclosed. Important questions include the modules’ stability and impact on gate performance when integrated into Yaqumo’s quantum computer, and whether the standard interfaces can be applied to other vendors’ systems. Details on mass-production methods, supply timing, and plans for external vendor provisioning will also be material to assessing the project’s commercial prospects.

✍️ Quantum Index Analysis

This announcement should be seen not merely as component development by Yaqumo but as an effort to move lab-origin neutral-atom quantum technology closer to a device industry. Yaqumo, founded in 2025, has roots in the research of Yoshio Takahashi’s group at Kyoto University and Kenji Omori’s group at the Institute for Molecular Science. Professor Omori’s team has also been involved in supporting the launch of Infleqtion’s domestic full-stack neutral-atom quantum computer “Shunkai.” This NEDO project can be positioned as an effort to convert the optical systems needed for such real-device development into components and modules that are easier to mass-produce and supply.

In the neutral-atom approachneutral-atom approachNeutral Atom Quantum Computer / Neutral Atom Quantum Computer / Neutral-Atom Quantum ComputingA quantum computing approach that traps and arranges neutral (uncharged) atoms using lasers or similar methods and uses their quantum states as qubits.QI NoteA characteristic is that many atoms can be arranged in a regular pattern relatively easily. When comparing performance, one should check not only the number of atoms but also gate fidelity, reconfiguration (rearrangement), and loss rates., increasing the number of atoms does not automatically translate to straightforward scaling. Capturing, rearranging, and individually manipulating atoms require many lasers and optical components, and as scale increases, adjustment, stabilization, and device footprint become challenges. Shunkai currently aims to scale from roughly 50 qubitsqubitsQubit / Quantum Bit / QubitThe basic unit of information in a quantum computer. It can represent not only 0 or 1 but also a quantum state that is a superposition of them.QI NoteHaving more qubits does not necessarily mean higher performance. Error rates, connectivity, coherence time, and the number of logical qubits are also important. to about 500 qubits and, in the long term, up to 10,000 physical qubitsphysical qubitsPhysical Qubit / Physical QubitIndividual qubits that are physically created and manipulated on a quantum processor. They are also used to form logical qubits.QI NoteA large number of physical qubits does not by itself indicate practical computational capability. Error rates, connectivity, and the number of physical qubits required per logical qubit are also important.. Supporting such scale-up requires not only the QPUQPUQuantum Processor / Quantum Processor / Quantum Processing Unit / QPUThe central part of the hardware that houses qubits and performs quantum computational operations such as quantum gates and measurements.QI NoteThe performance of a QPU cannot be judged by the number of qubits alone. Gate fidelity, connectivity, speed, error rates, and other factors must be considered together. but also the ability to stably build the surrounding optical systems.

In that context, it is meaningful from a business perspective that Yaqumo and SCREEN are not only developing high-speed SLMs and objective lenses but are also considering modularization and interface standardization for multiple vendors. If the work remained limited to an optics system dedicated to their own device, it would be a single quantum-computer development project. If it becomes a common module that can be supplied to others, it could constitute a separate components and equipment business apart from the quantum computer itself.

However, there is not yet enough track record to evaluate that potential. Specific performance targets for the high-speed SLM, measured improvement in real devices, and the specifications of any standard interfaces have not been disclosed, and PICs are still at the applicability-evaluation stage. Also, Infleqtion currently provides the QPU for Shunkai, so it remains unclear how much hardware Yaqumo will ultimately supply. Going forward, key indicators will be whether the developed optical modules are actually adopted in Yaqumo’s devices and Shunkai, and whether they can be deployed to other companies’ neutral-atom systems—these outcomes will determine whether the initiative can progress from R&D to an industrial supply base.

Related articles

• Pasqal and Eleven Ventures launch joint venture to deploy quantum systems in Saudi Arabia
• Infleqtion supports operation of Japan’s first full-stack neutral-atom quantum computer “Shunkai”
• QuEra and Zapata Quantum partner to jointly evaluate applications for fault-tolerant quantum computing

Source

Read the original announcement