“This partnership came together at exactly the right time,” said Nathan English, associate product manager at Amphenol Ardent Concepts. “Ohio State’s superconducting patent aligned perfectly with the market’s growing demand for higher-density, lower-noise solutions in quantum systems. Together, we’re solving a problem that directly impacts how the industry can scale.”
The collaboration centers on a patent Ohio State filed in 2018 that describes a method for integrating superconducting wire, specifically niobium-titanium, into electrical connections without losing performance or stability. The innovation allows for a direct soldered connection to the material, which traditionally oxidizes too quickly to work with, resulting in more durable mechanical connections and improved signal transmission at extremely cold temperatures.
“This is a strong example of how Ohio State research contributes to emerging technology sectors,” said Susan Olesik, dean of natural and mathematical sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Our faculty continue to produce discoveries that advance both scientific understanding and industrial applications.”
Amphenol Ardent, known for its high-performance connectors used in semiconductors and data centers, found that the Ohio State technology complements its expertise in high-density interconnects. As quantum computing companies race to expand from hundreds to thousands of qubits, the basic units of quantum information, the combined technology helps reduce thermal load and electrical resistance, both critical for reliable operation near absolute zero.
“This partnership reflects how Ohio State’s research can drive solutions for industries pushing the limits of technology,” said Kevin Taylor, chief innovation officer for the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at Ohio State. “By working with Amphenol Ardent, we’re helping bring a university innovation to market that supports the growth of one of the most promising fields in computing.”
With the commercial license now in place, Amphenol Ardent is developing an industrial-scale process to manufacture the superconducting connectors, advancing a technology that could help quantum computing companies achieve greater system reliability and performance as the industry moves closer to real-world, large-scale quantum machines.
“This partnership merges Ohio State’s cutting-edge materials research with our expertise in precision connectivity,” English said. “It’s a big step toward enabling the next generation of quantum systems.”
