- Breakthrough paves the way for interconnecting quantum computers over vast distances by leveraging existing fiber optic infrastructure
COLLEGE PARK, MD – September 23, 2025 – IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), the leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, with research support from the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), today announced a significant technological advancement in its pursuit of scalable quantum networks. IonQ successfully demonstrated the frequency conversion of photons from visible wavelengths used to interface with trapped barium ions, into telecom wavelengths on a prototype system. This critical milestone paves the way for interconnecting quantum computers over vast distances using the current existing fiber optic infrastructure.
The ability to transform visible light, which is used in IonQ's trapped ion quantum systems, into telecom wavelengths is essential for transmitting quantum information efficiently over long-haul fiber optic cables. This milestone signifies a major advancement in IonQ's long-term vision for the Quantum Internet – distributed quantum computing via secure quantum networks.
“I am thrilled to announce that we have taken an important step towards enabling the Quantum Internet. Working closely with AFRL, we are the first quantum company to demonstrate the ability to convert visible signals to telecom wavelengths,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “We will soon connect two quantum computers over standard wavelengths, opening the floodgates for broadly networked quantum devices using commercial fiber infrastructure.”
This prototype demonstration is a leading indicator of IonQ's progress towards building scalable quantum networks, paving the way for future commercial opportunities in distributed quantum computing and quantum communication. The technology is directly relevant to the future infrastructure needs of telecom companies and network providers.
“The advancement of quantum networking and the Quantum Internet reaffirms our strategic commitment to maintaining American quantum superiority through decisive investment and forward-looking policy. AFRL-Rome and IonQ are delivering breakthroughs that strengthen our regional innovation ecosystem and bolster our national defense capabilities. I remain steadfast in ensuring that Upstate New York and the North Country continue to lead in shaping the future of quantum technology,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
This announcement follows IonQ’s recent delivery and commissioning of the first trapped-ion quantum computer with integrated photonic interface to AFRL’s site in Rome, New York. It also expands upon IonQ’s growing global footprint, which now includes locations in Washington D.C., Seattle, Boston, Denver, San Francisco, Chattanooga, and Basel, Switzerland.
About IonQ
IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world’s most complex problems. IonQ’s current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA achieve 20x performance results.
The company is accelerating its technology roadmap and intends to deliver the world’s most powerful quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030 to accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. IonQ’s advancements in quantum networking also position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet.
The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek’s 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes’ 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, and Built In’s 2025 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Washington DC and Seattle, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.
IonQ Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including but not limited to the terms “accelerating,” “advancements,” “building,” “continues,” “deepening,” “delivering,” “driving,” “expanding,” “growth,” “intends,” “intent,” “ongoing,” “optimizing,” and other similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the IonQ’s quantum computing capabilities and plans; IonQ’s technology driving commercial quantum advantage in the future; the necessity, effectiveness, and future impacts of IonQ’s offerings available today; and the scalability, fidelity, efficiency, viability, accessibility, effectiveness, importance, reliability, performance, speed, impact, practicality, feasibility, and commercial-readiness of IonQ’s offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: IonQ’s ability to implement its technical roadmap; changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; IonQ’s inability to attract and retain key personnel; or IonQ’s ability to deliver, and customers’ ability to generate, value from IonQ’s offerings. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company’s filings, including but not limited to those described in the “Risk Factors” section of IonQ's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.