Google adds neutral atom push to quantum computing

Google Quantum AI has expanded its quantum computing research to include neutral atom systems, adding a second hardware approach to its existing work on superconducting qubits.

The group will pursue both technologies in parallel as it tries to build large-scale quantum computers for problems that conventional machines cannot practically solve. Superconducting systems have been at the centre of Google's work in the field for more than a decade, while neutral atom computing uses individual atoms as qubits.

The two methods begin from different technical strengths. Google's superconducting systems have already scaled to circuits with millions of gate and measurement cycles, each lasting a microsecond. Neutral atom systems, by contrast, have reached arrays of about 10,000 qubits, though their cycle times are slower and measured in milliseconds.

That difference creates distinct engineering priorities. For neutral atom machines, one of the main tasks is to demonstrate deep circuits with many cycles. For superconducting hardware, the next step is to show architectures with tens of thousands of qubits.

Dual track

Google argued that keeping both efforts in house could shorten the path to near-term milestones and broaden the range of systems available for different classes of computational problems. Research and engineering work from one platform could also inform the other.

The neutral atom programme will focus on three areas: quantum error correction, modelling and simulation, and experimental hardware development. In practice, that means adapting error correction to neutral atom arrays, using simulation tools to test hardware designs and error budgets, and building machines that can manipulate atomic qubits at scale.

To lead the hardware effort, Google has hired Dr Adam Kaufman, who will be based in Boulder, Colourado. He will continue as a JILA Fellow and CU Boulder faculty member, with an affiliation in CU Boulder's Physics Department, while leading a growing neutral atom hardware team at Google.

"I am thrilled to join Google's world-leading program in quantum computing, and to expand that leadership to a new and highly promising platform of neutral atoms," said Kaufman of Google Quantum AI.

Boulder base

Google said Boulder gives it access to a cluster of institutions active in atomic, molecular and optical physics, including CU Boulder, JILA and NIST Boulder. The links reflect a broader pattern in quantum computing, where large technology groups often rely on university laboratories and public research institutes for talent, specialist infrastructure and early-stage science.

Massimo Ruzzene, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes at CU Boulder, described the appointment as a boost for the local sector.

"We are delighted that Google Quantum AI has engaged Adam Kaufman to lead this important work in Boulder," said Ruzzene. "Adam's work reflects the vision and excellence of CU Boulder's quantum ecosystem - from JILA and our physics department to initiatives such as the CUbit Quantum Initiative and the Colourado Quantum Incubator. This partnership strengthens Boulder's nationally recognized quantum landscape, supported by major federal investments including the NSF Q‐SEnSE Institute, the National Quantum Nanofab and the U.S. EDA Quantum TechHub," added Ruzzene.

James Kushmerick, Drector of the Physical Measurement Labouratory at NIST, said the move would also support the wider US quantum industry.

"It is always sad having a researcher with the creativity and impact of Adam leave [NIST]. But moves like this are one of the ways NIST helps to strengthen U.S. industry. While this is a loss for NIST, it is a gain for the quantum ecosystem in Boulder and the U.S. quantum industry broadly," said Kushmerick.

Google also pointed to its relationship with QuEra, a portfolio company working on neutral atom computing, and said it expected that collaboration to continue. QuEra researchers have been involved in methods used in neutral atom systems, an area drawing growing interest across the sector as companies search for different paths to fault-tolerant quantum computing.

The expansion signals a more diversified strategy at a time when the industry remains divided over which hardware architecture will prove most practical at commercial scale. Superconducting qubits are among the most established approaches and have attracted backing from several large companies, but neutral atom systems have gained attention because they can be arranged in large arrays and offer flexible qubit connectivity.

Google said it remains confident that commercially relevant quantum computers based on superconducting technology will be available by the end of this decade, even as it adds a second line of research built around neutral atoms.