Thursday Science Forum on Quantum Information Science

The role of cryo-CMOS in quantum computers

by Edoardo Charbon (EPFL)

US/Pacific
Auditorium (rm 317) (B66)

Auditorium (rm 317)

B66

Building 66 Auditorium (rm 317)
Description

Abstract— Quantum computing holds the promise to solve intractable problems using processors that exploit quantum physics concepts, such as superposition and entanglement. The core of a quantum processor, generally an array of qubits, needs to be controlled and read out by a classical processor operating on the qubits with nanosecond latency, several millions of times per second. Due to the extremely weak signals involved in the process, ultra-low-noise, highly sensitive circuits and systems are needed, along with very precise timing capability. We advocate the use of CMOS technologies to achieve these goals, whereas the circuits will be operated at deep-cryogenic temperatures. We believe that these circuits, collectively known as cryo-CMOS control, will make future qubit arrays scalable, enabling a faster growth of the qubit count. In the talk, the challenges of designing and operating complex circuits and systems at 4K and below will be outlined, along with preliminary results achieved in the control and read-out of qubits by ad hoc integrated circuits that were optimized to operate at low power in these conditions. The talk will conclude with a perspective on the field and its trends.