Efficient control of quantum processors

Performance of quantum computers Improved infrastructure for super-cooled quantum processors

2024-08-19 From Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

In an EU-funded project, partners from industry and research are developing a scalable control infrastructure for quantum processors. The aim is to be able to operate them at extremely low temperatures.

The cryogenic on-wafer prober at the Fraunhofer IAF automatically characterizes up to 25 whole 200-mm or 300-mm wafers with components for quantum computers.(Image: Fraunhofer IAF) — The cryogenic on-wafer prober at the Fraunhofer IAF automatically characterizes up to 25 whole 200-mm or 300-mm wafers with components for quantum computers.
(Image: Fraunhofer IAF)

For quantum computers to function, a tremendous effort in control and interfaces is required. Quantum computers are based on qubits, which are operated in a cryostat near absolute zero. However, the number of possible signal lines that can be led from the machines into the cryostats is limited. This is due to the limited space, the heat transported by the wires, and the signal integrity due to the length of the existing wires.

"The performance requirements for electronic devices and circuits at cryogenic temperatures are quite different from those at room temperature. Particularly in very sensitive applications such as quantum processors, all aspects of microelectronic technologies must be optimized," says Alexander Grill, Scientific Director of "ARCTIC" (Advanced Cryogenic Technologies for Innovative Computing) at imec. The expected project results are viewed as an important set of directions for highly demanded technologies that can solve existing problems in areas such as computer-aided chemistry, the life sciences, and encryption required for data protection and cybersecurity.

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The setup for HF characterisation under cryogenic conditions.(Image: Fraunhofer IPMS)

Control infrastructure for cryogenic quantum processors

The "ARCTIC" (Advanced Cryogenic Technologies for Innovative Computing) project represents a significant step in European quantum computer research, particularly in the control infrastructure for cryogenic quantum processors. This project brings together 36 partners from industry, academia, and leading research institutions to develop a scalable, reliable, and innovative control infrastructure that is essential for the operation of quantum computers at extremely low temperatures.

Fraunhofer IPMS, one of the key partners in the project, focuses on the characterization and modeling of transistors and memory elements at cryogenic temperatures. The goal is to gain new insights into the energy position and number of electrical defects in transistors. This research is of central importance as reducing defect noise in electronics can extend the coherence time of qubit states, which directly contributes to the performance of quantum computers.

Better memory requires less energy

The Center for Nanoelectronic Technologies (CNT) at Fraunhofer IPMS works on the characterization and modeling of bipolar and CMOS transistors as well as memory elements at cryogenic temperatures. The focus is on the high-frequency, noise, and defect characterization and modeling of commercial transistors within the 22FDX FDSOI technology and the development of optimized non-volatile ferroelectric memory. It is crucial to improve the characterization methods in a cryogenic environment and at the wafer level and to develop a deep understanding of how field effect transistors and memory elements behave at unusually low temperatures.

The ARCTIC project has the potential to lay the foundation for a fully European supply chain in the field of cryogenic quantum processors, thereby strengthening Europe's position in the global competition for quantum supremacy. The funding from the EU and the involvement of reputable research institutions such as Fraunhofer IPMS underline the strategic importance of this endeavor.

Peripheral components for cryogenic quantum processors

The characterization of electronic components is as important as it is time-consuming, especially when it comes to cryogenic measurements and characterizations with long cooling and heating times. The Fraunhofer IAF plays a key role in this project by enabling the characterization of peripheral devices for cryogenic quantum processors on industrial-scale wafers with an automated cryogenic full-wafer prober.

Fraunhofer IAF not only has extensive knowledge in the characterization of semiconductor components for research and development up to industrial tests on 200 and 300 mm wafers, but is also one of the few European providers of such a low-temperature test setup below two Kelvin. This deep knowledge of the characterization of cryogenic components and the statistical variability of key technologies will be a crucial part of ARCTIC and will help accelerate the industrial testing of cryogenic technologies necessary for the scaling of quantum computers. (heh)

Peripheral databases must be quickly and easily adaptable to constantly changing conditions and environments due to the often evolving requirements. (Image:public domain)

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