Fujitsu and Yaqumo are testing the STAR architecture on a neutral atom quantum computer to evaluate its performance and compatibility.
Fujitsu, in collaboration with Japanese startup Yaqumo, has begun testing the STAR quantum computing architecture on an actual neutral atom quantum computer. This initiative is aimed at assessing how effectively STAR and its software components function within this specific hardware context.
Advancements in Quantum Testing
Since April 2026, the partnership has been investigating theoretical applications of the STAR architecture on neutral atom systems, culminating in physical trials that commenced in August.
The STAR (Space-Time efficient Analog Rotation) architecture is designed by Fujitsu to enhance early fault-tolerant quantum computing (Early-FTQC) by optimizing phase rotation implementations. It promises to lower the qubit requirements for quantum computations significantly.
However, the success of the STAR architecture hinges on its compatibility with the quantum computer type being used, emphasizing the need for real hardware testing.
Neutral Atom Focus
Yaqumo specializes in quantum computers utilizing neutral ytterbium atoms, which facilitate easier interactions among numerous qubits, allowing for a fully connected configuration without intermediary components. This capability is viewed by Fujitsu as a potential pathway for developing computational methods that diverge from the limitations present in superconducting systems, where qubit connectivity is often restricted. Furthermore, the neutral atom architecture may simplify the implementation of error correction techniques.
The joint effort seeks to ascertain whether combining STAR with neutral atoms can lead to practical quantum computations with fewer physical qubits.
So far, Fujitsu has not disclosed any quantitative results from the ongoing tests to evaluate STAR's advantages on neutral atom hardware, as the current focus remains on verifying the architecture's compatibility.
Streamlined Quantum Computing Interface
Additionally, the collaboration involves modifying the Fujitsu Open Quantum Toolchain for compatibility with Yaqumo's neutral atom systems. This toolchain includes essential functionalities for cloud-based quantum computing, such as environment setup, job management, and device status monitoring, enabling users to interact with various quantum systems through a unified interface.
Given that control commands for neutral atom computers differ from those in superconducting systems, Fujitsu is adapting its command translation, job management, monitoring, and calibration processes accordingly.
Future Aspirations
Yaqumo aims to create a quantum system comprising several hundred qubits with error correction by the fiscal year 2027, viewing its partnership with Fujitsu as a crucial step toward achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Fujitsu envisions STAR as a transitional architecture, paving the way for future systems that may eventually host tens of thousands of qubits, even if full fault tolerance isn't immediately realized. Notably, Fujitsu also recently unveiled its first operational prototype of a quantum computer utilizing diamond spin qubits.
