China launches mass production of silicon-28: a breakthrough for quantum computing
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has announced the start of industrial production of silicon-28, a material with isotopic purity exceeding 99.99%. This event marks the first time in the country's history of independent large-scale production of this ultra-pure isotope, which was previously only available in laboratory conditions and supplied from abroad.
Why silicon-28 is critically important for quantum technologies
Silicon-28 is a key component for creating silicon-based quantum computers. Unlike natural silicon, which contains the isotope silicon-29 that creates magnetic interference, silicon-28 is virtually devoid of nuclear spin. This property radically reduces noise levels in quantum systems, allowing qubits to maintain coherence significantly longer. In fact, using silicon-28 can increase qubit lifetimes by several orders of magnitude, directly impacting the ability to scale quantum processors.
Geopolitical context and implications for the industry
Beijing is making a strategic bet on quantum computing as one of the pillars of technological sovereignty. Previously, China imported significant volumes of silicon-28, mainly from Russia and the United States. Domestic production not only reduces dependence on external supplies but could also potentially lead to a decrease in the cost of this critically important material on the global market. For the crypto industry, this has long-term significance: the development of quantum computing is both a threat to existing cryptographic algorithms (e.g., ECDSA) and an incentive for the accelerated adoption of post-quantum cryptography.
My analysis
From an expert's perspective, CNNC's announcement is not just scientific news but a clear signal that the quantum technology race between China, the United States, and Europe is entering the phase of industrial implementation. For the crypto community, the moment has arrived when it is necessary to seriously consider transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms, as progress in materials science is accelerating the creation of full-fledged quantum computers faster than pessimistic forecasts suggested.