Archer Materials Advances Quantum Tech with Cryogenic TMR Sensor Demonstration

Semiconductor company Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) has completed the demonstration of highly-sensitive magnetic field measurements at cryogenic temperatures using its tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor technology.

The work is part of the company’s 12CQ quantum project focused on developing a carbon-based quantum bit (qubit) semiconductor chip with high bandwidth and low power consumption to replace traditional sensing technology.

Archer is exploring strategic partnerships and customer engagements to address emerging markets in quantum instrumentation, cryogenic hardware systems, research and development tools for low-temperature physics, and custom sensor modules for space and defence applications.

Cryogenic Applications

Archer is developing the TMR sensors to function at cryogenic temperatures, making them suitable for a range of quantum computing technologies including superconducting, spin-based and hybrid systems.

The sensors have the potential to be platform-agnostic and could eventually have uses beyond Archer’s quantum platform.

Archer’s foundry partner fabricated the sensors for the demonstration and integrated them into a cryo-compatible test system to leverage in-house expertise in quantum technology, cryogenics and semiconductor device integration.

Extreme Conditions

Archer chief executive officer Simon Ruffell said the demonstration had bolstered quantum readout capabilities and noise characterisation of the sensors in low-temperature environments, confirming that the technology can operate in the extreme conditions needed for quantum applications,

“It is a major enabler for integrating advanced capabilities into cryogenic systems for applications like magnetic noise cancelling for quantum computing or sensing conditions such as those in space,” Mr Ruffell said.

“The operation of TMR sensors at cryogenic temperatures has significant implications for next-generation quantum computing and sensing technologies and lays the foundation for cryogenic-compatible semiconductor platforms in advanced sensing, aerospace, space exploration and cryogenics research.”

Replacing Current Solutions

Archer’s TMR sensors could potentially outperform incumbent sensing solutions, which are prone to decoherence from ambient magnetic field fluctuations, degrading qubit fidelity and limiting device performance.

The technology can be used to monitor and characterise magnetic noise in real time, enabling better noise mitigation strategies and ultimately improving quantum coherence times.

“TMR sensors can unlock significant commercial opportunities across quantum computing and advanced sensing markets, and we are actively engaging with potential partners and customers to explore and validate bespoke applications,” Mr Ruffell added.