Improved scalability of silicon quantum computing with ambipolar devices

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Quantum computation has the potential to solve certain complex problems more efficiently than classical computation, promising significant advancements in areas such as healthcare, finance, energy, communication and machine learning. Realizing a quantum computer in silicon, building on the conventional semiconductor industry, would provide a compelling pathway to manufacturing scalable, high-density devices at reasonable cost. Quantum bits (qubits) in silicon have been demonstrated using electrons confined to nanoscale structures called quantum dots. The precision of controlling these qubits has increased dramatically over the past decade, with the current state-of-the-art in small systems close to the thresholds needed for fault tolerant quantum computing. While electron qubits can remain coherent for long times, the speed of manipulation can be relatively slow in scalable architectures. Another type of qubit can be realized by the absence of an electron, known as a "hole". Hole qubits in silicon can be manipulated on faster timescales compared to electrons, but typically do not remain coherent as long. Hence, there are trade-offs associated with the choice of qubit. This international collaboration aims to develop a hybrid approach in which both types of qubit can be realized in the same device (ambipolar), and furthermore, information can be exchanged between them. Such ambipolar devices can achieve the "best of both worlds" and will lend additional power and flexibility to the design of large-scale quantum processors. The outcomes of this project will enhance Canadian leadership in the quantum information field and in the development of semiconductor quantum computing platforms.