Revolutionizing Quantum Computing Through Glass Technology
A team of researchers from Italy, Germany, and France has embarked on a bold mission: to develop a quantum computer powered by glass-based photonic chips. The international collaboration, spearheaded by Milan Polytechnic Institute, brings together leading universities, startups, and tech companies across Europe to address the most pressing challenges in quantum computing. Their ambition? To create a working photonic quantum processor by 2026 — one that could transform energy, healthcare, and our understanding of the universe.
Harnessing Light Through Glass
Unlike traditional computers that rely on electrons, photonic quantum computers use light particles (photons) to encode and process information. This approach promises unmatched speed and efficiency, but building a reliable medium for transmitting light without loss has been a persistent obstacle.
The project turns to custom-designed glass chips, developed by the company Ephos, as the solution. These chips can handle up to 200 reconfigurable optical modes, allowing for the precise manipulation of photons within the chip. As Dr. Giulia Acconcia from Milan Polytechnic explains, “You need a material that lets light pass through while minimizing absorption. That’s where specially engineered glass comes in.”
Laser-Printed Circuits and Single-Photon Routing
The researchers are exploring laser-written circuits in glass to build a stable and scalable environment for quantum operations. These circuits channel single photons, generated through cutting-edge optical setups, into the heart of the chip with minimal deviation. This level of control is essential for performing complex quantum simulations and computations.
Meanwhile, Pixel Photonics in Germany is enhancing ultra-sensitive detectors capable of tracking each individual photon. Schott AG is providing high-precision glass substrates for consistent manufacturing quality.
Collaborative Innovation Across Europe
This ambitious initiative, known as QLASS, is more than a hardware project. Software development is just as critical. French non-profit Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) and the University of Montpellier are building open-source quantum programming tools and modeling energy-storage systems for future applications.
In Rome, experimental physicists from La Sapienza University are perfecting the generation of on-demand single photons, a core component of the quantum engine. Dr. Acconcia’s team is concurrently developing custom electronic systems to drive and control the photonic operations.
First Task: Designing Better Batteries
The initial mission of this quantum computer is as practical as it is urgent — to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Using variational quantum algorithms, the system will simulate battery chemistry to identify new materials and optimize performance. Traditional silicon computers struggle with modeling the countless quantum interactions in chemical processes, but quantum systems excel at this complexity.
This could lead to breakthroughs in faster-charging, longer-lasting batteries, better energy storage solutions, and even novel compounds for pharmaceuticals.
Laying the Groundwork for the Quantum Future
While commercial quantum computers are still years away, QLASS is paving the way with transparent innovation, both literally and figuratively. With hardware made of glass and software shared as open-source, this European venture reflects a vision of collaborative science for global benefit.
The prototype quantum device is expected to be fully operational by 2026 at La Sapienza University, after which researchers will be able to validate the performance using tools developed in France and Italy.
Conclusion: Light-Powered Quantum Leap Ahead
Europe’s move toward a glass-based photonic quantum computer marks a significant leap in the global quantum race. By combining multinational expertise, photonic precision, and open science, this project could accelerate advancements in batteries, medicine, and quantum physics. As the team continues toward its 2026 goal, the world watches — with the hope that transparent chips and invisible light will soon power the next great scientific revolution.
