Countdown to the APS Global Physics Summit 2025 and the unveiling of new educational quantum computing platform

Oxford Instruments NanoScience, Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) and Quantum Machines (QM) are coming together in a single collaboration to overcome key development challenges to Quantum Computing; skills development and access to real hardware. Collaboration within the quantum computing stack is key to addressing this. 

The Architect platform brings together OQC's proven 8-qubit quantum processor Lucy Gen2, Quantum Machines' OPX1000 high-density quantum controller for qubit control, and Oxford Instruments NanoScience's state-of-the-art ProteoxMX dilution refrigerator.

To fuel a talent pipeline, there is an appetite in the industry for an open-architecture quantum computer platform dedicated to enhancing hardware understanding, application development, and hands-on training with the flexibility to configure and reconfigure the quantum computer stack. Architect combines the unique capabilities of all three companies to provide such an open training platform that will promote skills development.

At the Global Physics Summit, OQC, Oxford Instruments and Quantum Machines will be launching this new platform with a live demonstration.

A track record of success

The reliability of each component in this integrated solution is well-established. OQC Lucy Gen2 has been operating via cloud, the company’s quantum computing service, for over two years, maintaining an impressive 98% uptime throughout 2023. Not only this, but OQC’s hardware is deployed into commercial, non-lab environments, through its installations in colocation data centres globally. 

Quantum Machine’s OPX1000 hardware has already demonstrated high compatibility with Oxford Instruments refrigerators. It was introduced into the QMaaS (quantum-measurement-as-a-service lab) at the University of Glasgow, UK, which positions alongside its QCaaS (quantum-computing-as-a-service lab), going from unboxing to experimental results at record speeds.

Together, the three companies have validated the Architect platform at the LHR3 data centre and it is now ready to deploy into other commercial or academic environments.

Democratising access to quantum skills 

With the continued high levels of government and commercial investment in quantum computing, developing a workforce to support quantum industries – whether in quantum computing, sensing, communication, or beyond – is an essential and growing need. Such skills will need to encompass both the theoretical and hands-on technical engineering abilities.

The OQC x QM x OI Architect platform has been designed for precisely this.

Architect is a uniquely open stack, meaning users can open up the system, tweak, replace and upgrade any element as they see fit. This enables users to engage in training and workforce development across the stack, from learning how to cool down the fridge, installing and using filters and amplifiers, methods of quantum control, characterisation and calibration of qubits and gates, and ultimately executing quantum circuits on a real QPU.

In brief, a user can experiment with the infrastructure of the solution, not just its algorithms. It’s a platform that won’t lock you in, but rather offers an accessible platform for the full breadth of skills development.

Further, the Architect solution is validated and ready to deploy now, and both Quantum Machines and Oxford Quantum Circuits have already generated valuable data from the platform.

Expertise united

Talking about the partnership, Dr. John Burgoyne, Head of Product Management at Oxford Instruments NanoScience, said, “What we will demonstrate at the Global Physics Summit next week follows several years of partnership between the three companies, with Oxford Instruments providing the cryogenic environment expertise for OQC’s quantum processors and Quantum Machines and Oxford Instruments having also worked closely together to demonstrate strong technical synergies between their products.”

OQC's Lucy processor features its innovative Coaxmon architecture, a patented 3D design. This architecture elegantly solves one of quantum computing's fundamental challenges: scaling qubit numbers while maintaining high-quality control.

The system's qubit control is handled by the OPX1000, a high-density Hybrid Control platform from Quantum Machines, providing comprehensive control and readout capabilities with real-time processing. It therefore offers the flexibility and precision needed for advanced quantum experiments and allows automated and specific control of the qubit.

Providing the crucial cryogenic environment is Oxford Instruments NanoScience's ProteoxMX dilution refrigerator. This system has already been successfully implemented with OQC’s Lucy to maintain ultra-low temperatures and leverage the Coaxmon technology through its Secondary Insert. This design facilitates seamless integration of components and provides the wiring and insert-modularity needed for optimal performance.

Experience the solution in action

Keen to see the platform in action? Be sure to visit us at the upcoming Global Physics Summit, where we'll be demonstrating the system live.

Book a demo slot here. Demos will be happening on both the Quantum Machines (#213) and Oxford Instruments (#515) booths.