Forschungszentrum Jülich and eleQtron launch JION quantum computer

The Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Siegen-based startup eleQtron have inaugurated JION, a new generation ion-trap quantum computer developed in North Rhine-Westphalia. The system, which stands for ‘Jülich trapped-ION quantum computer’, utilizes ionized ytterbium atoms as qubits held in place by electromagnetic fields. This technology offers high stability and low error rates compared to many other quantum systems.

JION is being integrated into the ‘Jülicher Nutzer-Infrastruktur für Quantencomputing’ (JUNIQ), allowing researchers and industrial users to perform hybrid calculations by offloading specific operations from classical supercomputers to the quantum system. This integration of quantum and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure is considered unique in Germany.

The development was realized through the ‘Entwicklungspartnerschaft Ionenfallen-Quantencomputer in NRW’ (EPIQ) project. The system utilizes MAGIC technology (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling) to control qubits via microwaves and magnetic field gradients, which may facilitate the construction of larger, more powerful quantum systems in the future. The project is supported by approximately 21 million euros from the Ministry of Culture and Science through 2027.