Electrically Controlled Silicon Quantum Devices Bring Scalable Quantum Computing One Step Closer

Electrically controlled silicon-based quantum device - SFU and Photonic Inc.

In a major step toward practical quantum computing, researchers from Simon Fraser University (SFU) in collaboration with Canada-based company Photonic Inc. have unveiled a new silicon-based quantum device that can be controlled both optically and electrically. This dual-control capability sets a precedent for scalable and integrated quantum technologies compatible with existing semiconductor fabrication infrastructure.

Published in Nature Photonics, the work showcases diode nanocavity devices enabling electrical control over silicon color centers—specifically, T centers. These centers act as qubits and are now being explored as a robust platform for building quantum processors. The research team achieved the first-ever electrically injected single-photon source in silicon, a milestone with significant implications for quantum computing, networking, and secure communications.

The Rise of Silicon Color Centers in Quantum Research

Color centers are point defects in a crystal lattice that can absorb and emit photons—making them excellent candidates for quantum information applications. While diamond-based color centers like NV centers have gained traction, silicon-based alternatives are emerging as more scalable due to the maturity of the global semiconductor industry.

SFU researchers, led by Professors Stephanie Simmons and Mike Thewalt, were among the pioneers in this field. Their Quantum Technology Lab introduced T centers as quantum elements in 2020, integrated them into nanophotonic devices in 2022, and now, with this latest work, they’ve added electrical control interfaces—making these devices more versatile and manufacturable at scale.

Optoelectronic Integration: A Path to Scalable Quantum Hardware

"The big deal here is that we’re no longer limited to optical control via lasers," said Assistant Professor Daniel Higginbottom. "Now we’re injecting electrical current directly into the device to control photon emission. This opens the door to more compact, efficient, and scalable designs for future quantum processors."

According to Ph.D. candidate Michael Dobinson, lead author of the study, combining optical and electrical controls within a single silicon platform creates an architecture that is broadly applicable across quantum computing and quantum networking. The devices could, for instance, be integrated into larger quantum processors while maintaining compatibility with existing CMOS manufacturing.

Commercialization and Global Momentum

The research was carried out in partnership with Photonic Inc., a Canadian quantum company co-founded by Simmons and Thewalt. Photonic Inc. is also expanding operations internationally with a new R&D facility in the UK. Their contribution to the fabrication and performance testing of these next-gen devices is a testament to how academia and industry can synergize to drive innovation.

“Governments and tech giants like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are pouring billions into the quantum race,” says Higginbottom. “This research puts Canada at the forefront of silicon-based quantum systems—devices that can be mass-produced and potentially revolutionize fields from chemistry to cybersecurity.”

🔗 Source: Phys.org – "Physicists create new electrically controlled silicon-based quantum device" (Sept 18, 2025)

*This blog post was prepared with the assistance of AI technologies for research, summarization, and formatting.*

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#QuantumComputing #SiliconQubits #Tcenters #QuantumPhotonics #QuantumDevices #Optoelectronics #ScalableQuantum #CMOScompatible #QuantumServerNetworks #PhotonicInc #QuantumResearch

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