Imec demonstrated superconducting wires as narrow as 30 nanometers using NbTiN, about ten times thinner than traditional Nb-based wires, enabling more connections in the same area.

The technology could deliver higher computing density and bandwidth, while reducing data movement energy, with potential use in high-performance computing, data centers, quantum computing, photonics, and neuromorphic systems.

The approach is compatible with 300mm semiconductor processes and explores 2.5D/3D integration, easing adoption within existing fabrication ecosystems and enabling larger, more complex circuits.

Flexible design is possible through controlled tuning of junction and wire properties, though superconductors require extremely low temperatures, creating deployment challenges.

Imec targets adoption by foundries, hyperscalers, and system companies, signaling a gradual integration into broader computing infrastructure.

Circuits were built with NbTiN across three metal layers, with the smallest Josephson junctions at 150 nanometers, enabling higher computing density and potential energy efficiency over CMOS.

Imec presented a world-first superconducting circuit featuring 3.8 million Josephson junctions in one square centimeter, unveiled at the 2026 Applied Superconductivity Conference.

The report highlights potential for large energy savings and performance gains in future data centers and HPC systems from ultra-dense superconducting circuitry and ultra-narrow wiring.