IonQ, a leader in quantum computing and networking, announced a major materials breakthrough that could accelerate the path to scalable, fault-tolerant quantum systems. In partnership with Element Six, a De Beers Group company specializing in synthetic diamond technologies, IonQ has developed quantum-grade diamond films compatible with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes.
The achievement marks a pivotal advance for quantum networking and clustered computing. Synthetic diamond is considered a cornerstone material for quantum memory systems and photonic interconnects—the technologies that link quantum computers into powerful, distributed networks. By making the material compatible with foundry processes, IonQ has opened the door to industrial-scale production of quantum devices.
“Foundry-compatible, quantum-grade diamond films change the game in photonic interconnects, compute processors, and quantum networking,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “This innovation will allow us to mass-produce consistent, high-performance systems designed for commercial quantum networks.”
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The new capability strengthens IonQ’s technology stack by enabling foundry compatibility—allowing quantum devices to be fabricated with the same infrastructure that drives the trillion-dollar semiconductor industry—and heterogeneous integration, where diamond-based quantum memories can be paired with classical components such as switches and control electronics.
“Synthetic diamond is one of the most promising platform materials for quantum technologies, with use-cases across the entire ecosystem, especially in sensing and networking,” said Siobhán Duffy, CEO of Element Six. “These synthetic diamond thin films will enable at-scale fabrication of high-performance devices.”
Previously, the stringent requirements for quantum-grade diamonds limited device fabrication to small-scale R&D. IonQ’s new approach—bonding diamond films to substrates like silicon—overcomes this bottleneck, paving the way for mass production of quantum memories, sensors, and advanced interconnects.
This announcement follows IonQ’s acquisition of Lightsynq, integrating its photonic interconnect and quantum memory technologies into IonQ’s roadmap. Together, these advances bring the company closer to delivering scalable, fault-tolerant quantum systems for commercial use.