Strategies for reducing flux noise in the D-Wave quantum computer

位于不列颠哥伦比亚省本那比的D-Wave系统公司目前在量子计算技术的开发方面处于领先地位，该技术在可调谐耦合超导量子干涉设备（squid）网络上实现量子退火（QA）。它的成果受到了凝聚态和量子计算社区以及大众媒体的广泛关注（D-Wave最近登上了《时代》杂志的封面）。通量噪声对D-Wave量子计算机的运行产生了重要的限制，导致了校准误差。本研究项目的目标是找到基于SQUID几何形状和材料组成的最佳设计策略，以最大限度地减少D-Wave量子比特中的通量噪声。该项目预计将对D-Wave QA处理器的性能产生直接影响。它还提供了一个独特的机会，在一个领域培养高素质的人才，该领域将基础研究（相互作用自旋系统中的磁化动力学和非平衡效应）与加拿大公司正在开发的令人兴奋的新技术相结合。

D-Wave systems Inc., a company based in Burnaby, B.C., is currently leading the way in the development ofquantum computing technology that implements quantum annealing (QA) on networks of tunably coupled superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Its results are receiving widespread attention from the condensed matter and quantum computing communities as well as from the popular press (D-Wave was recently featured at the cover of Time magazine). Flux noise produces important limitation for the operation of the D-Wave quantum computer, leading to calibration errors. The objective of this research project is to find optimal design strategies based on SQUID geometry and material composition that will minimize flux noise in D-Wave's quantum bits.The project is expected to have direct impact on the performance of the D-Wave QA processors. It also presents a unique opportunity to train highly qualified personnel in an area that integrates fundamental research (magnetization dynamics and non-equilibrium effects in interacting spin systems) with exciting new technology being developed by a Canadian company.