SENKO and PHIX create common interface for photonic modules. PHIX Photonics Assembly and SENKO Advanced Components are establishing a standardized, detachable fiber connection for photonic multi-chip modules, a move designed to ease manufacturing challenges and improve long-term serviceability. This collaboration positions PHIX in Enschede, Netherlands, as a European Centre of Excellence for this emerging technology, which supports scaling artificial intelligence infrastructure and high-performance computing. Learn Physics "The industry needs solutions that connect precision assembly, package-level testing, system integration, and long-term serviceability," says a Vice President at SENKO. By combining PHIX's packaging expertise with SENKO's Micro Prism Array technology and 6DoF alignment processes, the companies aim to create a repeatable optical interface throughout a product's lifecycle. SENKO's Micro Prism Array & SAM-T enable repeatable optical interfaces. SENKO's Micro Prism Array technology directly addresses a critical challenge in photonic module manufacturing: maintaining consistent optical performance throughout the product lifecycle. This new architecture utilizes detachable fiber connectivity, a departure from traditional permanently attached interfaces, and allows for repeatable alignment during assembly, package-level validation, and system integration. The system uses SENKO's SEAT receptacles and SAM-T, or SENKO Alignment Master-Testing, alongside precision 6DoF alignment processes to establish a common optical reference point throughout the supply chain. This collaborative effort between SENKO and PHIX Photonics Assembly isn't simply about improving manufacturing consistency; it's about enabling future serviceability, the company says. By separating photonic packaging from permanent fiber attachment, the design facilitates inspection, diagnostics, and component replacement without requiring a complete optical assembly redesign. Learn Physics This approach is particularly relevant as optical engines move closer to application-specific integrated circuits, or ASICs, where maintaining operational flexibility is paramount. "As optical engines move closer to the ASIC, the industry should keep the operational flexibility that made pluggable optical transceivers so successful," said a company representative. "By combining advanced photonics packaging with a repeatable, detachable optical interface, this collaboration helps bridge the gap between CPO performance requirements and the practical needs of testing, maintenance, and long-term serviceability." PHIX, headquartered in Enschede, Netherlands, contributes to realizing this architecture through its expertise in advanced photonics packaging, according to SENKO. PHIX's Characterization Package is already utilized in a photonic quantum processor, demonstrating the practical application of its packaging capabilities. The company's involvement in EU projects like LOLIPOP, POLYNICES, PATTERN, and photonixFAB further underscores its commitment to advancing photonic manufacturing technologies and establishing scalable approaches for multi-chip modules. PHIX establishes European center for detachable fiber assembly & PIC packaging. PHIX Photonics Assembly's newly established role as a European Centre of Excellence focuses on a critical, previously unaddressed aspect of photonic module manufacturing: standardized, detachable fiber connections. This specialization goes beyond simply assembling photonic integrated circuits, concentrating instead on the interface between those circuits and external fiber optics, a distinction vital for scaling production. SENKO Advanced Components' Micro Prism Array technology forms the core of this connection, enabling precise alignment and repeatable performance throughout a device's lifespan, the firm reports. The collaborative framework between SENKO and PHIX delivers a system where optical components undergo alignment during assembly, validation at the package level, and verification during system integration, all using the same detachable interface. This contrasts sharply with traditional methods requiring permanent fiber attachment, which complicates diagnostics and repair. The use of SENKO's SEAT receptacles and SAM-T further refines this process, providing a standardized method for connecting and testing modules. Learn Physics Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Enschede, PHIX has rapidly become a key player in advanced photonics packaging, with its Characterization Package already integrated into a photonic quantum processor from QuiX Quantum. Jeroen Duis, PHIX's Chief Technology Officer, explains that by decoupling packaging from fiber attachment, the architecture allows for inspection, diagnostics, replacement, and maintenance without necessitating a complete redesign. Visitors to ECOC 2026 can explore this technology firsthand at the SENKO (booth #1005) and PHIX (booth #1051) exhibits. Stay current See today's quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals.

QuiX Quantum announces commercial availability of Alquor 2.0 quantum photonic processor platform. Rack-mountable platform available in 8-mode, 20-mode, and 32-mode configurations August 04, 2026 Photonic quantum startup QuiX Quantum has announced the commercial availability of its next-generation rack-mountable quantum photonic processor platform, Alquor 2.0. Available in 8-mode, 20-mode, and 32-mode configurations, QuiX said the processor has been designed to reduce lab complexity and accelerate experimental progress, helping research teams move from complex, manually aligned optical table configurations to a stable, programmable, and scalable integrated photonic platform. Built on QuiX's silicon nitride platform, the company said Alquor 2.0 supports a broad range of quantum photonic use cases, including quantum optics research, boson sampling, quantum random walks, quantum communication, quantum sensing, optical switching, and the development of photonic quantum computing architectures. The platform uses air cooling to improve thermal management and has a current-driver-based control to reduce electrical crosstalk. It also supports Ethernet connectivity and has a Python-based interface which allows it to be integrated into existing infrastructure and workloads, the company said. A 20 percent 'early adopter' discount is being made available to academic and public research institutions that order the Alquor 2.0 8-mode processor by September 30, 2026. At full price, the Alquor 2.0 8-mode, 20-mode, and 32-mode processors cost €240 ($276), €490 ($564), and €790 ($910), respectively. "Photonic quantum research should not be limited by the complexity of repeatedly configuring, aligning, and stabilizing optical table setups," said Caterina Taballione, commercial and partnership lead at QuiX Quantum. "Alquor 2.0 gives researchers a programmable and reproducible platform, so they can spend less time managing experimental infrastructure and more time advancing quantum science." Founded in Enschede, the Netherlands, in 2019, the company's systems comprise silicon nitride photonic chips that can operate in data center and HPC environments. In 2022, QuiX sold both eight-qubit and 64-qubit photonic quantum computers to the German Aerospace Center (DLR QCI), and in 2024, began offering cloud access to its quantum systems. QuiX closed a €15 million ($17.5m) Series A funding round in July 2025. More in HPC & quantum.

The first Dutch quantum computer comes from Twente: QuiX Quantum reaches a global milestone. Technologie Twente has reached another technological milestone. QuiX Quantum, an Enschede-based company and spin-off from the University of Twente, has delivered the first Dutch quantum computer. The new system, named Carina, is also the world's first universal photonic quantum computer architecture developed for deployment in real-world data centre environments. Date of Publication: 15 July 2026 Listen to audio Read time +/- 3.7 minutes For many people, quantum computing still sounds like something from the distant future. Yet the technology is already being developed in Twente today - and at a rapid pace. With Carina, QuiX Quantum demonstrates that quantum computers are no longer confined to laboratories but are moving closer to practical, real-world applications. A breaktrough from Enschede Carina was developed as part of the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative in Germany and marks an important step towards the next generation of quantum computers. While many of today's quantum systems are designed for specific calculations, Carina is capable of running virtually any quantum algorithm. This lays the foundation for future applications in areas such as healthcare, materials development, logistics, and artificial intelligence. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the technology operates largely at room temperature. As a result, the system can be integrated into existing data centres far more easily than many other quantum computers, which require extreme cooling conditions. Why is this happening in Twente? The fact that this breakthrough comes from Enschede is no coincidence. For years, Twente has been among Europe's leading regions in photonics, chip technology, and quantum research. Within the regional ecosystem, researchers, startups, scale-ups, and established companies work closely together to develop innovative technologies. QuiX Quantum is a strong example of this collaborative environment. The company originated at the University of Twente and is building quantum computers for an international market from its headquarters in Enschede. According to CEO Stefan Hengesbach, Carina bridges two worlds: systems that are ready for near-term applications and architectures capable of enabling universal quantum computing at scale. Opportunities for talent For students, researchers, and professionals, this development highlights the vast opportunities available within Twente's technology sector. Quantum technology is still in the early stages of its global development, meaning that the specialists who will shape the field in the years ahead are being trained right now. From quantum software and photonics to chip design, artificial intelligence, and systems architecture, companies such as QuiX Quantum are creating challenging career opportunities at the intersection of science and entrepreneurship. At the same time, they provide access to international collaborations with organisations such as Germany's DLR and other leading European technology partners. Building world-class technology With the delivery of Carina, QuiX Quantum further strengthens its position as one of the leading players in Europe's quantum sector. For Twente, it is yet another example of how groundbreaking research can evolve into technology with global impact. And for talented people who want to help build the computers of the future, the message is clear: that future is being built in Twente.