“Something the world has never seen before” – revolutionary cryo-CMOS transistor thrives in freezing conditions; can be used for scaling up quantum computing and in space technology
- SemiQon announces first CMOS transistor for cryogenic conditions
- Designed for extreme cold: works efficiently at 1 Kelvin
- Transistor reduces heat dissipation 1000x, consumes 0.1% normal power
Heat is widely recognized as the enemy of sensitive electronic components, but ultra-low temperatures can also cause serious performance problems.
Now SemiQon, a Finland-based company focused on quantum computing hardware, has announced the development of what it describes as the first CMOS transistor fully optimized for cryogenic conditions.
The transistor is designed to function effectively at temperatures as low as 1 Kelvin (-272.15°C or -457.87°F), just 1 degree above absolute zero, where most quantum computers operate. According to the company, this innovation addresses key challenges in scaling quantum computers, while also being compatible with existing CMOS manufacturing processes, which do not require new infrastructure.
Applications in space
SemiQon says its transistor reduces heat dissipation a thousand times compared to conventional room temperature transistors and consumes only 0.1% of the power. This allows the control and readout electronics to be placed in a cryostat along with the processors, eliminating heat dissipation issues that could disrupt the system. SemiQon believes this solution simplifies the growing complexity of managing quantum processors as their scale increases.
“It was clear to us and others in the scientific community that a transistor that can operate efficiently at ultra-low temperatures would provide substantial value to users in high-end computing and wherever these devices must function under cryogenic conditions,” said Himadri Majumdar, CEO and co-founder of SemiQon.
“Our company has only been around for two years and we have already delivered something the world has never seen before. Our cryo-CMOS transistor will provide users with significant benefits, both in terms of CapEx and OpEx, and by improving the functionality of their hardware. This could potentially accelerate the development of quantum technologies, or even enable a new era of cryogenic electronics.”
The transistor’s potential extends beyond quantum computers to high-performance computing and space applications. SemiQon also highlights its impact on energy efficiency, noting that cooling costs for data centers are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
SemiQon says it expects to deliver its first cryo-optimized CMOS transistors to customers in 2025. A short technical article about the new transistor can be found on the website arXiv pre-print server.
