Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Computing: Principles, Applications & Trends
In the forefront of quantum computing exploration, there is a device that silently supports the stable operation of the entire system like a behind-the-scenes hero—it is the dilution refrigerator. Despite its large size, high cost, and even being jokingly called the "air conditioner for quantum computers," it is precisely this device that compresses the operating temperature of superconducting quantum chips to an extremely cold environment close to absolute zero, thereby making quantum superposition and entanglement possible. This article will take you deep into understanding the working principles of the dilution refrigerator, its key role in quantum computing, current challenges, and future prospects.
What is a Dilution Refrigerator?
The dilution refrigerator (Dilution Refrigerator) is a cryogenic refrigeration device that can operate stably at extremely low temperatures, cooling the system to below 10 millikelvin (mK), approximately -273.14°C, just 0.01 kelvin above absolute zero. This extremely low temperature is a necessary condition for achieving superconducting qubit coherence. Its theoretical foundation dates back to the 3He-4He mixture refrigeration theory proposed by H. London in 1951, and the first prototype was realized in 1965. After decades of development, the minimum temperature of modern dilution refrigerators has reached 1.75 mK.
Detailed Working Principles
Its core principle is based on the dilution effect of ³He (helium-3) and ⁴He (helium-4). At low temperatures, ³He and ⁴He can form an ideal solution, and when the ³He concentration is extremely low, its chemical potential changes dramatically with concentration, thereby absorbing a large amount of heat during the phase transition process to achieve refrigeration. The entire process is accomplished through a closed-loop helium circulation system, without the need for a compressor, relying solely on pumping and throttling expansion.
The specific workflow is as follows:
Pre-cooling stage: Use liquid 4He or a pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) to cool the system down to approximately 4K
Intermediate cooling: Further cool down to around 1K through 3He evaporation
Dilution refrigeration: Start the dilution circuit, allowing 3He to continuously flow from the concentrated phase to the dilute phase
Cycle maintenance: The evaporated 3He is pumped out, purified, re-condensed, forming a closed cycle
Analysis of Main Application Areas
Quantum Computing
The dilution refrigerator has become an indispensable infrastructure for superconducting quantum computing. To maintain the quantum coherence of superconducting quantum processors (such as Josephson junction-based qubits), they must be cooled to an extremely low-temperature environment of 10-20 mK. According to market analysis, in the global dilution refrigerator market for superconducting quantum computing, applications in pharmaceutical R&D are expected to see significant growth by 2031.
Basic Scientific Research
In the fields of condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and particle physics, the dilution refrigerator provides critical conditions for studying the exotic behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures. For example, dark matter detection experiments require operating superconducting sensors at millikelvin temperatures to reduce thermal noise interference.
Industrial Application Expansion
As the industrialization of quantum technology accelerates, dilution refrigerators are gradually being applied in fields such as precision measurement instruments and superconducting electronic device testing. Especially in China, companies like Guodun Quantum are actively promoting the commercialization of quantum technology, driving growth in demand for related cryogenic equipment.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The global dilution refrigerator market is mainly dominated by international manufacturers such as Bluefors, Oxford Instruments, and ULVAC, but Chinese companies like Benyuan Quantum, Guodun Electronics, and Beijing Feisike Technology are rapidly rising. As China's investment in quantum technology continues to increase (with related investments exceeding 2 billion USD in 2024), domestic dilution refrigerator technology is accelerating its catch-up.
Future development trends include:
Compact design: Reduce equipment size and lower installation requirements
Intelligent control: Introduce AI algorithms to optimize temperature control and energy consumption
Cost reduction: Reduce procurement and operational costs through mass production and technological innovation
Application expansion: Extend from scientific research to industrial applications, especially in the commercialization of quantum computing
As the "cold" cornerstone of the quantum technology era, the importance of dilution refrigerators is increasingly evident. Despite facing technical and cost challenges, as quantum computing and other frontier fields develop rapidly, dilution refrigerators will usher in broader application prospects. For research institutions and enterprises, understanding the principles and applications of this technology will help seize the opportunity in the wave of quantum technology. If you have dilution refrigerator needs, please visit our product details page