Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has unveiled a groundbreaking intelligent signal amplifier designed to drastically reduce the energy consumption of quantum computers, a critical advancement for the scalability and environmental footprint of this nascent technology. Announced on July 6, 2025, this innovation addresses a major bottleneck in quantum computing by improving data reading accuracy while consuming only one-tenth of the energy of existing high-performance amplifiers, signaling a significant step towards more sustainable high-performance computing infrastructure.

The new device operates in a pulsed mode, meaning it activates only when it detects a signal, significantly reducing heat generation and mitigating interference that could compromise quantum fidelity. Unlike conventional amplifiers that remain continuously active, this novel system responds within 35 nanoseconds to electrical pulses carrying quantum information. To achieve this ultra-fast response and optimize its activation in real-time, the research team employed sophisticated genetic programming algorithms. Furthermore, a new methodology for measuring system noise and gain in pulsed mode was developed, allowing for unprecedented verification of its efficiency in real laboratory environments. This pulsed scheme demonstrated five times greater effectiveness compared to continuous flow operations.

Quantum computing demands extremely controlled thermal and electronic conditions. As the number of qubits increases, the necessity for precise data reading and minimal energy dissipation becomes paramount. The new amplifier directly addresses this escalating challenge, enabling the scaling of quantum systems without degrading their performance or increasing their energy footprint. This development is a key component of the research conducted at the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology and was executed in collaboration with the Swedish company Low Noise Factory AB, with additional support from WiTECH and the Smarter Electronic Systems program.

Beyond the immediate technical advancements, this amplifier represents a strategic step towards several long-term implications. It promises more efficient data centers with a substantially lower energy footprint, reducing the need for intensive and costly cryogenic cooling, which is currently a significant operational bottleneck. Moreover, this innovation could accelerate the application of quantum solutions to critical aspects of the energy transition, such as the simulation of complex renewable energy networks, the design of novel materials for energy capture and storage, and the development of emission-free chemical reactions. In an era marked by accelerating climate change and increasing digital consumption, this Swedish innovation suggests that the next generation of supercomputers could be not only more powerful but also fundamentally more environmentally responsible.