Rigetti Computing Announces Launch of Ankaa-3 Quantum Computer
Rigetti Computing, Inc., a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, has announced the public launch of its 84-qubit Ankaa-3 system. Ankaa-3 is Rigetti's latest flagship quantum computer with a redesigned hardware that delivers superior performance. Rigetti has achieved significant milestones in two-qubit gate fidelity with Ankaa-3, including a median 99.0% iSWAP gate fidelity and 99.5% median fidelity fSim gates.
Ankaa-3 is now accessible to partners through the Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform (QCS) and will soon be available on Amazon Braket and Microsoft Azure in the first quarter of 2025. Users will have access to higher fidelity and universal iSWAP gates for various algorithmic research, with a median gate time of 72 nanoseconds. The faster and more specialized fSim gates, with a median gate time of 56 nanoseconds, are suitable for specific algorithms such as random circuit sampling.
The Ankaa-3 system retains Rigetti's scalable chip architecture with 3D signal delivery and incorporates significant enhancements to key technologies. Leveraging Rigetti's full-stack expertise and quantum foundry capabilities, Ankaa-3 demonstrates the company's commitment to delivering high-performance quantum computers.
Enhancements Across the Technology Stack
- New cryogenic hardware design: Reducing metal at the coldest stage of the refrigerator improves efficiency and reduces costs per qubit. Superior thermalization and shielding enhance system performance, enabling scaling to thousands of qubits.
- Improved qubit chip: Rigetti redesigned its qubit chip to enhance coherence, collaborating with the Superconducting Quantum Materials & Systems Center for a higher T1 baseline. The circuit layout was optimized to minimize qubit losses and leverage the new higher-coherence process.
- Josephson junction fabrication with ABAA: The Ankaa-3 chip features Rigetti's Ankaa-class chip architecture with Josephson junctions manufactured using the ABAA technique. ABAA allows for precise qubit frequency targeting, improving two-qubit gate execution and yield.
- Precise control and flexible gate architecture: Rigetti has invested in control technologies for its QPUs, optimizing qubit and coupler frequencies to reduce unwanted interactions. Real-time pulse pre-compensation produces gates with lower errors, and a robust calibration process enhances gate performance.
Rigetti CEO, Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver on its roadmap and performance goals with the launch of Ankaa-3. Rigetti plans to introduce the next generation of its modular system architecture in 2025, aiming to increase fidelities and reduce error rates.
Rigetti CTO, David Rivas, highlighted the company's commitment to innovation and practical applications of quantum computing systems. Rigetti aims to release a 36-qubit system by mid-2025 and a system with over 100 qubits by the end of 2025, both with targeted reductions in error rates.
