Light and glass: Revolution in quantum computing from Europe!

Light and glass: Revolution in quantum computing from Europe!

Rom, Italien - quantum computers are no longer a science fiction, but a reality that is increasingly assuming. Researchers in Europe have teamed up to work on an exciting project that uses light and glass to raise the computing power to a new level. The EU-funded project Qlass has set itself the goal of achieving breakthroughs in computing power, battery technology and scientific discovery through the development of Photonic Quantum Computer. Giulia Acconcia from the Polytechnic University of Milan heads this initiative and brings together scientists from Italy, France and Germany to advance this innovative technology. [Modern Diplomacy] (https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/07/Cracking-the-quantum-code- and-glass-are-to-to-transform-computing/) reports that these quantum computers use photons for information processing, which distinguishes them from conventional systems based on silica.

What exactly does that mean for us? Well, the first results are promising. However, in order to implement the commercial benefits of this technology, some challenges still have to be mastered. A central concern of the Qlass researchers is to find materials that transmit light without absorbing it. Ephos, a company that develops new glass chips, plays a crucial role here. These chips can offer up to 200 reconfigurable optical modes and can be further optimized by laser labeling.

international cooperation in the sign of quantum research

In Germany, Pixel Photonics take care of ultra -sensitive detectors, while Schott AG delivers high -quality glass substrates. At the Italian location, high -performance electronics are developed under the direction of Acconcia, and the University of Sapienza in Rome is entrusted with the production of individual photons. France brings another piece of the puzzle into play because the Unitarian Foundation develops software for quantum operations. In this close network, the European approach comes into its own, which bundles the strengths of all nations involved in order to achieve the goal of a first photonic quantum devices by 2026. Fraunhofer emphasizes that progress has been considerable in the past two to three years.

Another interesting aspect is the “Phoquant” project, which brings research and industry together to apply quantum technology in industry. With a funding of around 50 million euros, 42 million of which come from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this project focuses on how quantum computer chips can be connected to conventional mainframe computers. Research aims to achieve manipulation and control of quantum states at room temperature, which could make many of the previous cooling requirements superfluous.

The future of quantum computers

The ultimate plan behind all of these initiatives is a quantum computer chip with up to 100 qubits that is suitable for large-scale calculations. The development of optimized algorithms to address special problems is driven in parallel, as is universal quantum computing. When can we expect the first results? A first prototype is to be presented in two and a half years - this is faster than many would think!

quantum computers could not only revolutionize our everyday tasks, but also change chemistry and drug discovery. The EU horizon program finances these ambitious projects and supports the European goals of the digital decade, in particular the implementation of the first quantum super computer by 2025. With so much activities and commitment, you can be excited to see what new opportunities the quantum world will offer us in the near future. Even if Europe still has to master many challenges on the way, the potential is undeniable.