Control Interface for QUantum Integrated Technology Arrays

在过去的十年中，已经给出了概念的证明，并建立了小规模的演示器，以表明量子器件可以在实际应用中获得前所未有的性能。例如，使用超导量子比特可以显著提高下一代计算机（量子计算）的速度和计算能力。此外，利用超导纳米线单光子探测器（snspd），可以在高级成像、遥感、长距离/安全通信（量子密码学）或诊断技术中实现突破性的性能改进。从演示到具有大量元素的实际放大设备的过渡仍处于早期阶段，要在这些领域取得真正的突破，需要重大的技术飞跃。在量子电路中，超导量子比特和SNSPDs在射频（RF-SNSPDs）下运行的元件数量几乎是相同的，这一确定的挑战是这些元件的有效多路复用，因为它们通常在低温下运行，需要多个连接来控制和读出微波频率。这使得电子元件复杂，昂贵且难以在商用低温恒温器中扩展超过10到100个元素，阻碍了它们在实际应用中的使用。单通量量子（SFQ）电子器件可以在低温下以无与伦比的高频率和超低功耗工作，这依赖于其基本元件约瑟夫森结（JJ）特有的电流电压关系。在适当的条件下，JJs在500 GHz以上的重复频率上产生~2 ps宽的电压脉冲，具有前所未有的时间精度、稳定性和低功耗。SFQ电子本质上是可扩展的，我们建议使用生成的SFQ脉冲作为精确和低噪声频率信号的来源，用于片上集成量子位和rf - snspd阵列的多路控制和读出。这种变革性的方法将最终填补现有量子技术的空白，同时在量子科学和先进传感应用中实现跨越式变化。为了实现这一目标，我们将汇集英国在纳米制造和超导量子技术方面的顶尖专业知识，并得到英国世界领先的SFQ电子和量子技术公司SeeQC UK的大力支持。我们在创新英国、居里夫人、皇家学会和欧洲研究委员会资助下开展的先前工作的基础上，利用专业知识和纳米制造设施，在3年的目标计划中取得重大进展，发展量子技术。由于与英国国家量子技术中心的战略合作，我们将在量子计算/模拟（量子计算和模拟中心- HQCS）和高级成像（QuantIC）应用中进行联合实验，以展示已开发技术改变游戏规则的性质。此外，我们将利用支持与最终用户和利益相关者密切合作，最大限度地提高研究项目的影响。通过与QT hubs行业合作伙伴网络以及该提案的战略工业合作伙伴（如Kelvin Nanotechnology （KNT）、Oxford Quantum Circuits （OQC）和SeeQC UK）的合作，开发已开发技术的潜在市场。该项目旨在产生高质量的研究成果，并在量子科学领域部署先进技术。这项工作与“地平线2020”计划的中心主题以及研究委员会制定的英国战略研究重点产生了强烈的共鸣。长期目标是建立一个世界级的实验研究项目，该项目将具有强大的跨学科影响，加强英国在新科学和技术方面的领先地位，从而产生社会和经济效益。

In the last decade, proof of concepts has been given and small-scale demonstrators have been built to show that the quantum devices allow obtaining unprecedented performances in practical applications. For example, dramatic enhancements can be obtained in the speed and computational power of next-generation computers (Quantum computing) using superconducting qubits. Also, disruptive performance improvements can be achieved in advanced imaging, remote sensing, long distance/secure communication (quantum cryptography) or diagnostic techniques using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors - SNSPDs. The transition from demonstrators to practical scaled-up devices with a large number of elements is still at an early stage and a significant technological leap is required for a real breakthrough in those fields. The identified challenge in scaling-up the number of elements in quantum circuits, that is virtually identical for superconducting qubits and SNSPDs operating in Radio Frequency regime - RF-SNSPDs -, is represented by efficient multiplexing of these elements since they typically operate at cryogenic temperatures and need multiple connections for control and read-out at microwave frequencies. This makes the electronics complex, costly and difficult to scale beyond 10 to 100 of elements in the commercially available cryostats hampering their use in real-world applications. Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) electronics can operate at cryogenic temperature with unrivalled high frequency and ultra-low power consumption relying on the peculiar current to voltage relation of their basic element: the Josephson Junctions (JJ). Under proper condition, JJs generates ~2 ps width voltage pulses at repetition frequency above 500 GHz, with unprecedented time accuracy, stability and low power consumption.SFQ electronics is intrinsically scalable and we propose to use generated SFQ pulses as a source for precise and low noise frequency signals for multiplexed control and read-out of on-chip integrated qubits and RF-SNSPDs arrays. This transformative approach will allow to finally fill the gap in the existing quantum technology for a step-change at the same time in quantum science and advanced sensing applications.At this aim, we will bring together top UK expertise in nanofabrication and superconducting quantum technology, backed by a strong commitment from the UK world-leading company in SFQ electronics and quantum technologies SeeQC UK. We build on previous work carried out through Innovate UK, Marie Curie, Royal Society and European Research Council funding and make complimentary use of expertise and nanofabrication facilities to significant progress in the development of quantum technology in a 3-years targeted programme. Thanks to the strategic collaboration with National UK Quantum Technology Hubs, we will carry out joint experiments in quantum computing/simulation (Hub in Quantum computing and simulation - HQCS) and in advanced imaging (QuantIC) applications to show the game-changing nature of developed technology. Also, we will leverage support to engage closely with end-users and stakeholder maximizing the impact of the research project. Potential markets for developed technology will be exploited through the collaboration with QT hubs industry partners' network and with the strategic Industrial partners of this proposal like Kelvin Nanotechnology (KNT), Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) and SeeQC UK.This project is designed to generate high-quality research outputs and to deploy advanced technology in the field of quantum science. The work strongly resonates with the central themes of Horizon 2020 programmes and with the UK strategic research priorities set by Research Councils. The long-term goal is to establish a world-class experimental research programme which will have a powerful cross-disciplinary impact strengthening the UK's leading position in new science and technology to generate societal and economic benefits.