EU project ARCTIC targets scalable quantum processors

A quantum computer requires an enormous amount of control and interfacing to function. For quantum computers based on qubits operated close to absolute zero Kelvin inside a cryostat, the number of possible signal lines fed from the machinery into the cryostat is currently limited due to the restricted space, the heat transported through the wires and the signal integrity due to long wires.

“The performance requirements asked from electronic devices and circuits at cryogenic temperatures are quite different compared to those at room temperature. Especially when interfacing very sensitive applications such as quantum processors, all aspects of microelectronic technologies need to be optimised,” says Alexander Grill, scientific leader of ARCTIC (“Advanced Cryogenic Technologies for Innovative Computing”) at imec. The expected project outcomes are considered as important enablers for highly demanded technologies that can resolve existing problems in areas such as computational chemistry, bio and life sciences, cryptography needed for data protection and cyber security.

To overcome these constraints, ARCTIC brings together 36 partners from industry, academia and leading RTOs to establish a complete and comprehensive European supply chain for cryogenic photonics, microelectronics, and cryo-microsystems around the emerging quantum computing industry and different cryo-enabled ICT applications.

Fraunhofer IPMS will contribute competencies in characterisation of commercial semiconductor devices

The Centre Nanoelectronic Technologies (CNT) at the Fraunhofer IPMS focuses on the characterisation and modelling of bipolar and CMOS-transistors as well as memory elements at cryogenic temperatures. The emphasis will be placed on high frequency, noise, defect characterisation, and modelling of commercial transistors in 22FDX FDSOI technology, as well as the development of optimised non-volatile ferroelectric memories. For this, it is crucial to improve characterisation methods in cryogenic environment and on full wafers and to generate a deep understanding of how field-effect transistors and memory devices behave at untypically low temperatures. “We want to gain new insights into the energetic position and number of electrical defects in the transistors. This will allow the industry to offer new cryo-designated products and Fraunhofer to offer unique characterisation methodologies for industry products. The reduction of defect induced noise in electronics is an important factor for increasing the coherence time of qubit states, that is why the developed methodologies are directly relevant for cryogenic quantum computing approaches. Regarding the non-volatile memories it is furthermore important to minimise the power consumption of the devices, since the cooling power is very limited inside of cryostats” explains Dr. Maik Simon, researcher within the Quantum Technologies group at the CNT in Dresden, Germany.

Another demonstration of IPMS’s competences is investigating the applicability of non-volatile ferroelectric three-terminal memories for a cryogenic environment by electrical characterisation and physical modelling. This pioneering study will reveal how the devices perform at low temperatures and what parameters can be altered to enhance switching characteristics, integration density and reliability.

The project at the Fraunhofer IPMS is co-financed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport (SMWA).