Kickstart at Aalto University: an OrangeQS Rack Uses the New LabOne Q Back-end for Quantify

Users can now run quantum experiments on a Zurich Instruments control system directly from the open-source Quantify framework. Orange Quantum Systems and Zurich Instruments worked together to develop a back-end for Quantify, fostering collaboration in the European project OpenSuperQPlus. In its first deployment on an OrangeQS Rack at Aalto University, qubit coherence times were measured within 2 days after system delivery including all hardware assembly. The new backend leverages Zurich Instruments' LabOne Q control software framework to provide enhanced functionality and flexibility for quantum computing research and development.

Elevating Quantum Control with Quantify and LabOne Q

Quantify is an open-source Python-based data acquisition framework focused on quantum computing and solid-state physics experiments. This Python module allows for easy writing of quantum programs featuring a hybrid gate-pulse control model with explicit timing control, allowing for quantum gate and pulse-level descriptions to be combined. The new back-end translates Quantify schedules into LabOne Q experiments, so they can be executed on Zurich Instruments hardware. This can be seen as a defining example of flexibility and ease of use of both Quantify and Labone Q.

Zurich Instruments' LabOne Q software framework offers flexible tools and can be used on multiple levels depending on our users’ needs, such as a back-end capable of supporting a broad range of quantum computing tasks.

LabOne Q makes a great intermediate layer between QASM and hardware. It can also be part of your high-level software with abstractions such as qubits and workflows, as showcased in our newly introduced Applications Library. The Applications Library provides pre-configured quantum computing experiments and analysis routines tailored to specific quantum computing tasks, and it ensures that users can rapidly deploy and customize solutions for their quantum research needs.

A Successful Deployment at Aalto University

Our collaboration with Orange Quantum Systems has already borne fruit. OrangeQS recently delivered an OrangeQS Rack to Aalto University to support the Quantum Computing and Devices group led by Professor Mikko Möttönen. This delivery was a key part of their test bench for Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) testing under the OpenSuperQPlus project.

What truly stands out in this deployment is how fast the system was operational. Within two days of delivery — including a full day dedicated to hardware assembly—  the quantum chip's coherence times were successfully measured. This swift setup underscores the maturity of the new LabOne Q back-end for Quantify.

The OrangeQS Rack provided a platform for demonstrating OrangeQS’s proprietary Superconducting Qubit Tools and GRACE (Graph-based Automated Calibration Execution). These tools are designed to streamline and optimize qubit diagnostics and calibration, further showcasing the enhanced capabilities facilitated by our close collaboration.

Supporting European Ambitions in Quantum Computing

The OpenSuperQPlus project aims to build a European 100-qubit quantum computer, making it the largest and most ambitious European collaborative project in quantum computing. With 28 partners from 10 countries working together, the stakes are high, and so is the potential impact.
We are proud to support the project’s ambitious goals through this collaboration with Orange Quantum Systems. By providing versatile, high-performance control solutions and enabling efficient setup of test benches, we are laying the groundwork for meaningful advances in quantum computing across Europe.

Looking Ahead

Building on this success, Orange Quantum Systems is preparing to deliver a similar rack to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, which will also host an OpenSuperQPlus test bench. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration and expanding the reach and capabilities of our LabOne Q software framework.

At Zurich Instruments, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in quantum technology. Our flexible, powerful, and adaptable solutions like LabOne Q are designed to meet the evolving needs of the quantum research community, and the new back-end for Quantify is a testament to that commitment.