Silex enriches zero spin silicon for quantum computing

Materials technology group Silex Systems has achieved target enrichment objectives in its project to demonstrate its ability to produce zero-spin silicon (ZS-Si) used to make computer chips for cutting edge quantum computers.

ZS-Si is a unique form of isotopically enriched silicon allowing next-generation quantum processing chips to store data at the sub-atomic level.

Silex’s technology is a variation of its core Silex technology of laser isotope separation.

Silex told investors that it had achieved target enrichment during extensive Stage 3 enrichment testing in its demonstration facility at the ANSTO nuclear campus in Sydney, NSW.

Testing confirmed the production of ZS-Si in the form of enriched silicon-28 as a target purity of greater than 99.95 percent, and it also verified production scalability using its Silex laser enrichment technology.

The Silex enrichment technology is also used to create uranium fuels needed for small modular reactors (SMRs).

In July Silex completed its quantum silicon pilot plant.

Silex CEO Michael Goldsworthy said: “The achievement of these key results from silicon enrichment testing with the pilot plant demonstration facility is an outstanding accomplishment for the ZS-Si project team, and marks a major milestone in the commercialisation of the Silex laser enrichment technology.

“As we move into the final period of testing, the focus is on optimisation and maximising the economic potential of the ZS-Si production technology.”

The development of ZS-Si has become urgent given the world’s main source of the novel material is Russia, which is embroiled in its invasion of its neighbour Ukraine.

The demonstration project is in collaboration with Sydney quantum computing startup SQC and the federal government’s Cooperative Research Centres Projects.

SQC is contracted to purchase ZS-Si from Silex under an offtake agreement executed in 2019.

Goldsworthy said the company hasd begun planning for the scale-up of the demonstration facility to produce first commercial quantities of ZS-Si and to provide a path to a secure and resilient supply chain.

Further reading:
SILEX COMPLETES QUANTUM SILICON PILOT PLANT
SILEX EYES US NUCLEAR FUEL MARKET
QUANTUM TEAM FOCUSSED ON GETTING IT DONE HERE

Picture: Silex Systems