Rigetti Adds PlasmaPro 100 Cobra to Fab-1, Cutting Qubit Iteration to Weeks
Updated
Updated · Quantum Zeitgeist · May 24
Rigetti Adds PlasmaPro 100 Cobra to Fab-1, Cutting Qubit Iteration to Weeks
1 articles · Updated · Quantum Zeitgeist · May 24
Rigetti Computing integrated Oxford Instruments’ PlasmaPro 100 Cobra atomic layer etch system into Fab-1, expanding in-house qubit fabrication at what it calls the world’s first dedicated quantum foundry.
The ALE tool targets a key bottleneck by replacing reliance on shared fabrication facilities with a smooth, low-damage etch process aimed at improving qubit quality, reliability and production control.
Rigetti said that tighter control lets it move from prototypes to production in weeks rather than months, speeding design iteration as it pushes toward larger superconducting quantum systems.
Fab-1’s buildout is part of Rigetti’s broader effort to reach the very high qubit counts needed for error correction and, ultimately, fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Is Rigetti's bet on in-house fabrication a masterstroke or a costly trap in the quantum race?
With fabrication hurdles falling, how soon will quantum computers truly threaten today's cybersecurity?
Rigetti’s Race to 1,000 Qubits: How Advanced Fabrication and Modular Architectures Are Accelerating the Path to Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
Overview
Rigetti Computing has made a major move to strengthen its quantum technology by ordering the Oxford Instruments PlasmaPro 100 Cobra atomic layer etch system for its Fab-1 quantum foundry. This advanced equipment will boost Rigetti’s manufacturing capacity, allowing the company to meet the growing demands for high-performance quantum processors. By enhancing its etch capabilities, Rigetti can accelerate the development of qubits, which is essential for scaling up its quantum computing technology. This strategic investment directly supports Rigetti’s goal of building more powerful and reliable quantum devices, moving the company closer to fault-tolerant quantum computing.