Belgian researchers from the IMEC research center have presented prototype silicon quantum chips manufactured using advanced High-NA EUV lithography at the ITF World 2026 exhibition. This marks the first time quantum-dot devices have been produced using this high-precision ultraviolet printing method, demonstrating that traditional silicon remains highly viable for quantum computing.
IMEC Breakthrough: Silicon Quantum Chips Achievement
The prototype relies on silicon spin qubits, where information is stored in the state of an electron trapped inside a microscopic quantum dot. Companies like Intel and Google are also actively developing similar approaches. The primary achievement of the Belgian team is the extremely close placement of these quantum dots. The gap between them is just six nanometers, equivalent to the width of a few dozen atoms. Closer proximity allows for stronger interaction between qubits, making them easier to control.
Previously, such precise structures were etched using electron-beam lithography. That method is too slow for mass production. High-NA EUV scanners, however, were originally designed to manufacture advanced commercial processors. The researchers at IMEC are leveraging this technology so that quantum devices can eventually be moved from laboratories to the same assembly lines that produce components for consumer electronics.
Millions of Qubits and the Challenge of Thick Cabling
Minimizing qubit size is only part of the challenge. A fully functional, error-corrected quantum computer will require millions of these elements. Currently, classical computers connect to quantum systems via thick bundles of cables because the quantum components require extreme cooling. To eliminate this complex wiring, researchers are also working on placing standard control electronics directly inside cryogenic refrigerators.
Quantum Cryogenics vs. Data Center Water Consumption
This extreme cold provides an additional benefit. Conventional data centers generate immense heat. To prevent processors from overheating, modern facilities consume millions of liters of fresh water daily, which evaporates in cooling towers.
Quantum chips operate differently. They require temperatures near absolute zero (-273°C), which demands powerful refrigeration. However, these systems use helium in a closed loop and do not require massive amounts of fresh water. Furthermore, a quantum computer can solve highly complex mathematical problems in minutes, whereas a classical supercomputer might run for a month and consume megawatts of energy. Calculated per operation, quantum computing is significantly more energy-efficient.
Standard Tasks Will Remain on Silicon
Quantum computers will not replace conventional servers. They will not be used to stream videos, process e-commerce transactions, or host websites. Quantum systems will be reserved for complex mathematical tasks, such as modeling new drug compounds or battery chemistries. Consequently, classical data centers will remain necessary and will continue to consume water, but advanced scientific computing will not require draining additional natural resources.
Silicon Quantum Chips Manufacturing Capacity
Connecting millions of qubits presents a significant engineering challenge. Researchers at IMEC believe the existing semiconductor industry is the most viable foundation for manufacturing quantum hardware. However, production capacity is limited. If the same manufacturing lines must produce both classical processors and new quantum chips, companies will need to allocate resources carefully, which could lead to capacity constraints.