According to the South China Morning Post, a well-known international media in Hong Kong, recently, the United States has imposed sanctions on China's quantum technology again. However, just days after the sanctions list was updated, China announced that its core components in the field of quantum computing had been localized and no longer needed to be purchased from overseas.
Observers point out that this breakthrough has undoubtedly injected new impetus into the development of quantum technology in China.
Breakthrough in localization: high-density microwave interconnect module
On Wednesday, China's quantum computing research company, Origin Quantum, announced that it had successfully developed a "high-density microwave interconnect module," a component likened to a quantum computer's "neural network."
According to Kong Weicheng, a researcher at Origin Quantum, quantum processors or quantum chips need to operate in an ultra-low temperature environment (-269 degrees Celsius or -452 degrees Fahrenheit) near absolute zero, so the module must first have a thermal insulation function.
In addition, the module needs to provide a high-speed, stable channel between the "brain" of the quantum computer and external devices to ensure the accurate transmission of signals and quantum information. Until now, the main obstacle to the independent production of this module was the procurement of a key component, the high-frequency coaxial cable for ultra-low temperatures. According to Anhui News reports, such cables previously had to be imported from Japan and were expensive.
The newly developed module can provide microwave signal transmission channels for quantum chips with more than 100 bits, and can achieve stable signal transmission across temperature zones in extremely cold environments. The success of this module has enabled quantum chips to "exert more computing power" to help quantum computers operate efficiently.
As the technological war escalates and the West's technological blockade intensifies, accelerating the reduction of dependence on other countries and achieving self-sufficiency has become critical for China's quantum technology. The U.S. Department of Commerce's latest export control list lists 22 major Chinese players in quantum research and industrialization as 37 sanctioned Chinese entities, and Origin Quantum is also on the sanctions list.
Origin Quantum was founded in 2017 by quantum physicists Guo Guoping and Guo Guangcan from the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, Anhui Province. In the process of developing this module, the company cooperated with the 40th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group, which is also located in Anhui Province.
Origin Quantum is the driving force behind China's self-developed quantum computer, Origin Wukong. In January of this year, the quantum computer was opened to users around the world. The quantum computer, named the Monkey King in Chinese mythology, is China's newest and most advanced programmable and deliverable machine, with more than 183,000 quantum computing tasks completed, China News Service reported on Wednesday.
In general, this breakthrough of Origin Quantum not only shows that China's strength in the field of quantum computing is increasing, but also reflects China's determination and ability to adhere to independent innovation and self-reliance in the face of international technological blockade. Next, we will take an in-depth look at the far-reaching impact of this breakthrough on the development of quantum technology in China.
In the context of the new round of sanctions imposed by the United States on China's quantum technology, the success of Origin Quantum is of great significance. This is not only a strong response to US sanctions, but also an important milestone in China's continuous pursuit of independent innovation and self-sufficiency in the high-tech field.
The localization of high-density microwave interconnect modules means that China has taken a key step in the field of quantum computing. In the past, relying on imported high-frequency coaxial cables was not only costly, but also easy to be controlled by others. Today, China has developed its own alternative products that can not only significantly reduce costs, but also ensure the stability and security of the supply chain.
In the face of technological blockade, China has chosen to respond with technological innovation and independent research and development. Such a strategy applies not only to the field of quantum computing, but also to other high-tech fields. By strengthening its independent R&D capabilities, China can gradually get rid of its dependence on external technology and build a more independent and autonomous scientific and technological system.
The success of Origin Quantum is not only a victory for China, but also a major impact on the international scientific and technological landscape. As China continues to make breakthroughs in high-tech fields such as quantum computing, international competition in science and technology will become more intense. In the future, China is expected to achieve independent innovation in more scientific and technological fields and make greater contributions to global scientific and technological progress.
The significance of the success of domestic quantum computing components for China's scientific and technological independence
U.S. sanctions on China's high-tech sector are aimed at curbing China's technological progress and innovation capabilities. However, Origin Quantum's successful development of high-density microwave interconnect modules marks China's gradual breaking of this technological blockade. This breakthrough not only enhances China's international competitiveness in the field of quantum computing, but also strengthens the country's scientific and technological autonomy.
Technological autonomy is essential to national security. Relying on imported key technologies and components is not only economically constrained, but is also likely to pose a threat to national security at critical moments. By localizing key technologies, China will be able to become more independent in its technology supply chain, thereby enhancing its national security.
Imported high-frequency coaxial cables are not only expensive, but also face the problem of unstable supply. The localized high-density microwave interconnect module can not only greatly reduce costs, but also ensure the stability of production and supply. As a result, the manufacturing cost of quantum computers will be significantly reduced, and the efficiency of the industry will be improved accordingly.
Breakthroughs in quantum computing technology will drive the development of a series of related industries. The localization of key components such as high-frequency coaxial cables will promote the upgrading and technological progress of related domestic manufacturing industries. At the same time, the widespread application of quantum computing technology will also give rise to more emerging industries and inject new impetus into China's economic development.
In the face of an external technological blockade, China has chosen the path of independent innovation. The successful research and development of high-density microwave interconnect modules is the result of the hard work of Chinese scientific and technological workers. This achievement not only demonstrates China's innovation capability in the high-tech field, but also inspires more researchers to devote themselves to independent innovation.
The rapid development of quantum computing technology requires the support of a large number of high-end scientific and technological talents. Through independent R&D and technological breakthroughs, China can cultivate more scientific and technological talents with international competitiveness. This not only helps to improve the level of domestic scientific research, but also reserves a strong talent force for the future development of science and technology.
China's technological breakthroughs in the field of quantum computing have enhanced its international competitiveness. In the future international competition in science and technology, China is expected to occupy a more advantageous position. Through continuous technological innovation and independent research and development, China can show stronger strength on the global scientific and technological stage.
Although China has chosen the path of independent research and development in the face of US sanctions, this does not mean that China will be isolated from international scientific and technological cooperation. On the contrary, by enhancing its own scientific and technological capabilities, China can gain more say in international cooperation and promote broader international scientific and technological cooperation.
China's technological breakthrough in the field of quantum computing is not only a powerful response to US sanctions, but also an important embodiment of China's independent scientific and technological innovation. This achievement demonstrates China's strong strength in the high-tech field and lays a solid foundation for future scientific and technological development.
Through continuous independent innovation and technological progress, China is expected to play a more important role on the global scientific and technological stage.