High-density cryogenic connector for quantum computing

Intelliconnect (Europe) has announced the availability of their CryoCoax Q-CON high-density cryogenic connector.

With the fast-growing rollout of quantum computing and the evolution of large-scale high-qubit machines, more microwave cables are now essential for control and readout lines to the quantum processor. These have generally been supplied by individual coaxial cables fitted with SMA connectors which provide limited packaging due to their 8mm hex coupling, which also needs space for access for tooling during installation.

The connector components are machined from high-purity copper and beryllium copper and are gold-plated to supply the best thermal conductivity. Non-magnetic versions can also be specified if needed. The connectors are compatible with 0.047” (1.19mm) size coax, either semi-rigid, flexible or conformable versions are obtainable. Semi-rigid cables are offered in niobium titanium, stainless steel, copper, cupronickel and beryllium copper, and combinations of these with silver-plated conductors, supplying the user with a broad selection in terms of thermal conductivity and attenuation.

Standard configurations of the new high-density connectors are eight-way, 16-way and 24-way with smooth bore or full detent options; connector blocks can be ganged together to give hundreds of coax lines in a dilution refrigerator. Two connector blocks form a mated pair, one having a full detent male SMPM interface and the other a smooth bore SMPM male interface; these are utilised together with ‘bullet’ style female to female SMPM adaptors fitted between a pair of connector blocks.

The ‘bullet’ adaptors are retained in the full detent connector block. These can be combined with eight-way, 16-way and 24-way attenuator blocks available in 0dB, 3dB, 6dB, 10dB and 20dB. The company worked with a leading attenuator manufacturer to develop these blocks to complement the high-density connectors. Attenuators are utilised to suppress thermal noise and deliver thermalisation of the centre conductors.

Steve Groves, sales and marketing director at Intelliconnect, says, “Our CryoCoax division leads the way in cryogenic connectivity not only for quantum computing but also research, test and measurement and medical applications.”