Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) has partnered with GlobalFoundries to work on the industrial manufacturing of its 12CQ quantum chip (12CQ chip technology).
Described as a leading world semiconductor foundry, GlobalFoundries provides Archer with “experience, equipment and manufacturing processes” to further develop its 12CQ chip qubit technology.
Commenting on the deal with GlobalFoundries, Archer CEO Dr. Mohammad Choucair said the company was now positioned to leverage GlobalFoundries’ capabilities to “accelerate development” of this technology.
Archer’s goal is to ensure that its qubit materials are suitable for industrial-scale semiconductor nanofabrication, and that the materials are then incorporated into compatible mobile devices.
To enhance the manufacturing 12CQ chip components and devices, Archer recognized that it needed to collaborate with industrial-scale manufacturers in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Under the agreement announced today, Archer has access to GlobalFoundries’ manufacturing facilities and processes to help identify pathways for high-volume manufacturing of the 12CQ chip devices and components.
Dr. Choucair noted that current quantum computing qubit components rely on custom manufacturing. This is compared to traditional computer circuits that are manufactured in established industrial semiconductor facilities.
He added that integrating qubit materials with foundries on an industrial scale is a “significant challenge” in the development of quantum processors.
Archer is the only ASX-listed entity, and one of only a handful worldwide, that is developing qubit processor technology.
Nanofabrication of biochip devices
The deal with GlobalFoundries follows Archer’s news last week that it had achieved a long-term goal of making biochip device components less than 10 nanometers (nm) in size.
Archer began nanofabrication processes in April 2021 with the goal of developing biochip features below 10nm.
The company has now fabricated sub-10nm features “reproducibly and reliably” through the development of several advanced lithographic processes on a silicon wafer in a clean room environment.
“Achieving sub-10 nanometer electronic device component manufacturing is an excellent milestone on our journey to develop Archer’s biochip technology, and demonstrates the world-class capabilities of our pioneering team,” said Dr. Choucair.
Dr. Choucair says the company’s semiconductor devices “push the boundaries of modern technology.”