Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI), a leader in full-stack quantum computing, has announced the launch of its new Ankaa™-3 system with 84 qubits. This advance in quantum computing features a completely redesigned hardware architecture and sets a new performance benchmark by achieving a median fidelity of 99.5% in fSim gates and 99% in iSWAP gates. These improvements reflect a 50% reduction in error rates by 2024.
The system, which is already available to partners through Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services (QCS®), will be available on Amazon Braket and Microsoft Azure in the first quarter of 2025. This launch reinforces Rigetti’s commitment to driving scalability and efficiency in quantum computing.
Innovative Design and Technological Advances
Ankaa™-3 combines technological advancements across all areas of the quantum stack, aimed at overcoming current challenges in fidelity and scalability. Key improvements include:
1. Advanced Cryogenic Design
- Thermal and Electromagnetic Optimization: Reducing metal in the coldest stages of the refrigerator minimizes costs and improves energy efficiency per qubit.
- Increased Scalability: This design allows the integration of thousands of qubits in future systems while maintaining superior performance.
2. Enhanced Qubit Chip
- Improved Coherence: Through collaboration with the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) led by Fermilab, Rigetti has improved qubit lifespan using an innovative metal deposition method.
- Circuit Design Optimization: The arrangement of the qubits has been redesigned to minimize losses and maximize gate quality.
3. Advanced Fabrication with Alternating-Bias Assisted Annealing (ABAA)
- Precision in Qubit Frequency: ABAA ensures better performance in two-qubit gates, enhancing fidelity and manufacturing yield.
- Higher Quality Production: This approach improves the uniformity of qubits, reducing systemic errors.
4. Flexible Gate Architecture
- Universal iSWAP Gates: With a median operation time of 72 nanoseconds, these gates are ideal for a wide variety of algorithms.
- Specialized fSim Gates: Designed for specific algorithms such as random circuit sampling, they offer even faster operation times of 56 nanoseconds.
Ankaa™-3 System Capabilities
The Ankaa™-3 system is designed for users seeking advanced capabilities in research and development. It offers:
- Leading Fidelity Performance: Compilation and execution of algorithms with significantly reduced error rates.
- Modular Scalability: An optimized architecture for integrating additional qubits without compromising performance.
- Cloud Platform Integration: Available for users through Rigetti QCS® and soon to be offered on Amazon and Microsoft cloud services.
Future Vision: Towards Fault Tolerance
Rigetti plans to introduce a next-generation modular architecture in 2025, including:
- 36-Qubit System: Comprising four 9-qubit chips, this system is expected to reduce error rates by 50%.
- System of Over 100 Qubits: Scheduled for late 2025, this system is designed to address more complex applications.
Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO of Rigetti:
“The Ankaa™-3 reinforces our leadership in superconducting quantum computing. We believe that this modality is key to the future due to its advantages in gate speed and manufacturing processes.”
David Rivas, CTO of Rigetti:
“Our comprehensive approach to technological innovation is creating systems with unprecedented capabilities. As we move towards fault tolerance, we continue to closely collaborate with partners to bring these technologies to practical applications.”
Rigetti’s Impact on Quantum Computing
Since 2017, Rigetti has been a pioneer in offering quantum computers in the cloud, serving customers globally across business, government, and academic sectors. The company designs and manufactures its own chips at Fab-1, the first facility dedicated to quantum devices in the industry.
Rigetti has also developed the first multi-chip architecture for scalable quantum systems, establishing a benchmark in quantum-classical integration for practical applications.