Application laboratory for quantum computing

Hands-on testing of quantum computing applications

The application laboratory for diamond-based quantum computing provides researchers and industry professionals with direct access to advanced quantum computing technologies.

The systems are based on the use of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond and offer up to four strongly coupled qubits for exploration and implementation of complex quantum algorithms.

Our unique infrastructure enables hands-on experiments and testing of quantum computing applications in fields such as materials science, sensor technology, and cryptography. It aims to support companies and research institutions in achieving tangible technological advancements and integrating quantum computing into industrial processes.

Please contact us if you are interested in the use of our quantum computers: quantum@iaf.fraunhofer.de.

quantum processor in the application laboratory
© Fraunhofer IAF
The quantum processor consists of local quantum registers that are composed of an electron spin hosted by a single color center and up to five 13C nuclear spins.

Quantum computers based on NV centers in diamond

Quantum computers based on NV centers in diamond offer several advantages: They have long coherence times, allowing quantum information to be stored over extended periods. Additionally, they are resilient to environmental noise and other external influences, making them an ideal foundation for stable quantum operations and industrial applications.

Diamond chip under an optical microscope
© Fraunhofer IAF
For quantum computers based on NV centers in diamond, the diamond chip is placed under an optical microscope that is used to initialize and read out the NV center optically.

Equipment in the application laboratory for quantum computing

quantum computer based on NV centers in diamond
© Fraunhofer IAF
Since the early 2025, the application laboratory has had a diamond-based quantum computer. Over the course of the year, an additional system will be added.

To make the potential of quantum computing tangible today, the application laboratory provides practical access to a commercial diamond-based quantum computer, utilizing NV centers and offering up to four qubits.

Industry and research professionals benefit from the opportunity to explore the capabilities of NV center-based technology for the first time, develop and optimize quantum algorithms, and tackle real-world computational problems. Furthermore, they can engage with the specific challenges of quantum computing across various industries and applications.

Planned Expansion of Equipment

In the course of 2025, the application laboratory will be expanded with an additional diamond-based quantum computer: The QB-QDK2.0 is a hybrid quantum-classical computing node that integrates not only the quantum processing unit (QPU) from Quantum Brilliance but also classical co-processors such as NVIDIA GPUs and CPUs.

This architecture enables users to explore various depths of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, such as quantum-based machine learning techniques that seamlessly combine quantum and classical neural networks.

Development of skilled professionals in quantum computing

The application laboratory serves as an initial testbed for experiments and innovations with diamond-based computing technology, allowing future experts to deepen their knowledge and skills.

 

Further information

Quantum computing at Fraunhofer IAF

Our researchers are working hard to accelerate the industrial application of groundbreaking quantum computing technology.

Virtual AppLab Quantum Sensing

Visit our virtual application lab for quantum sensing!

Our services

We offer you a wide range of services along the value chain, which you can find out about here.