Oxford Ionics has completed installation of its quantum computing system at the United Kingdom’s National Quantum Computing Centre, marking a significant deployment for the trapped-ion technology specialist. The company delivered QUARTET, its full-stack quantum computer, to the NQCC’s Harwell data center as part of the national laboratory’s testbed initiative.
The installation represents a collaboration between Oxford Ionics, the NQCC, and Innovate UK to advance commercial quantum computing applications. QUARTET will serve as a platform for research and development activities across industry, academic, and government partnerships.
Technology Architecture
QUARTET employs Oxford Ionics’ proprietary Electronic Qubit Control technology, which replaces traditional laser-based systems with electronic controls. The approach integrates all qubit trapping and control components onto standard electronic chips manufactured through conventional semiconductor foundries.
This design strategy has enabled Oxford Ionics to achieve notable performance benchmarks. The company currently holds records for two-qubit gate fidelity, single-qubit gate fidelity, and quantum state preparation and measurement capabilities.
Upgrade Capabilities
The quantum computer features field-upgradeable architecture, allowing the NQCC to enhance system performance without replacing surrounding infrastructure. Upgrades involve swapping the credit-card sized Quantum Processor Unit, enabling the facility to access Oxford Ionics’ highest-performing specifications as they become available.
This modularity addresses a common challenge in quantum computing deployments, where rapid technological advancement can quickly obsolete installed systems. The upgrade path provides the NQCC with sustained access to performance improvements.
Research Applications
QUARTET will support research under the UK’s Quantum Missions program, which targets technology barriers preventing large-scale quantum computing commercialization. Oxford Ionics participates in the Q-Surge project alongside Riverlane and Bay Photonics, focusing on implementing 2D qubit connectivity upgrades to the installed system.
The quantum computing testbed initiative enables the NQCC to validate algorithms and develop applications across multiple quantum computing approaches. The installation provides researchers with hands-on access to trapped-ion quantum technology for practical experimentation.
Industry Impact
The deployment reflects growing institutional investment in quantum computing infrastructure. The NQCC’s role as the UK’s national quantum computing laboratory positions the facility as a testing ground for emerging quantum technologies and their potential commercial applications.
“The successful installation of the QUARTET trapped-ion quantum computer by Oxford Ionics marks a pivotal step forwards the NQCC’s quantum computing testbeds initiative” ~ Dr. Michael Cuthbert, Director of the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre.
Oxford Ionics co-founder and CEO Dr. Chris Ballance emphasized the milestone’s significance: “Installing QUARTET at the NQCC marks a major milestone – not just for our company, but for unlocking a future powered by quantum computing“
The installation demonstrates practical progress in quantum computing deployment beyond laboratory environments. The collaboration model between private quantum computing companies and national research facilities may influence similar partnerships across the quantum technology sector.