FormFactor Introduces Automated Cryogenic System to Accelerate Quantum Computing Development

HPD IQ1000 Scanning SQUID Microscope Rapidly Characterizes Magnetic Flux in Superconducting Circuits

FormFactor, a leading semiconductor test and measurement supplier, today launched its first product for the emerging quantum computing market, the HPD IQ1000, a scanning SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) microscope. With rapid scan speed and process automation, the IQ1000 is the first commercial product of its kind to enable unattended and high-throughput characterization of trapped magnetic flux in superconducting circuits. Device designers can now eliminate the guesswork involved in the design of resilient superconducting circuits, and significantly reduce development time by locating and capturing detrimental magnetic vortices to enhance device performance.   

Device characterization is a requisite for the development of the established CMOS semiconductor industry. As the quantum industry matures and scales up the number of qubits for commercialization, intelligence to enhance device performance becomes increasingly important. The HPD IQ1000 bridges the gap by providing essential cryogenic system integration and automation, helping superconducting circuit designers to gain advantage over competing qubit implementation technologies. The overall quantum computing market is projected to grow to $1.7B by 2026, at a CAGR of 30.2% by analysts at MarketandMarkets™*.

“Products like our IQ1000 Scanning SQUID Microscope are critical for quantum technology developers,” said Amy Leong, Senior VP and General Manager of the Emerging Growth Business Unit at FormFactor. “Helping to build the quantum computing test and measurement supply chain is a priority at FormFactor. We’re excited that we can leverage our extensive cryogenic expertise and our global infrastructure to help customers accelerate both quantum research and higher-volume engineering.”

Key Features

The IQ1000 is the first product in FormFactor’s IQ-Series (Intelligent Quantum-Series) for the emerging quantum computing market. The IQ1000 is designed for sub-micron resolution imaging at the extreme low temperatures at which superconducting circuits operate. The system cools the sample down to below 4 Kelvin and can control sample temperature from less than 3 Kelvin to over 20 Kelvin. The HPD Scanning SQUID Microscope includes:

• Rapid Image Acquisition: Scan speed of up to 100 microns per second, capable of 100 x 100 micron image acquisition in less than two minutes
  
  
• High Resolution Imaging: Imaging resolution of 200-500 nanometers (depending upon SQUID sensor used)
  
  
• Autotuning: The system autotunes and locks the SQUID magnetic flux sensor system and automatically maintains optimal system tuning
  
  
• Unattended operation: All scan procedures can be pre-programmed and run unattended
  
  
• Sample size: The system can accommodate samples up to 20x20 mm
  
  
• Cryogen-free: The system is cryogen-free and the microscope core is vibration-isolated from the cryocooler