For his project focused on enhancing the performance of quantum computers named Advanced Quantum Technologies with Silicon Carbide, AQuaTSiC, Dr Florian Kaiser, who leads the Quantum Materials group at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), has been awarded the FNR Pearl Chair by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR). The project is set to receive four million euros in funding for the next five years via the FNR Pearl Programme, which offers competitive grants to attract leading researchers in strategic research fields to Luxembourg.

Today’s quantum computers only involve single units, similar to early traditional computers. Scaling up qubit numbers beyond a few dozen is difficult due to an increased sensitivity against decoherence. This means that quantum computer performance is generally based on compromises, which challenges the demonstration of a quantum advantage. Just 53 quantum bits can encode the equivalent of 1 Petabyte of data, which is an enormous volume of information. Moreover, quantum computers excel at processing substantial data sets in parallel, offering the potential to significantly accelerate data-intensive tasks.

“However, the current state of quantum technology faces challenges in achieving the necessary hardware enhancements to effectively support these applications,” says Florian Kaiser. “In this context, AQuaTSiC aims to develop a unique quantum computing platform using the industry leading 3rd generation semiconductor material, silicon carbide. Silicon carbide already powers your electric cars, and our goal is to benefit from these technological advances to develop better performing materials for quantum computing.”

The goal of AQuaTSiC is to maximize the number of qubits by connecting multiple systems. Contrary to standard approaches, “our strategy emphasizes the creation of small qubit registers of superior quality,” adds Kaiser. The project, which is slated to commence in the beginning of 2024, aims to integrate two small-scale quantum computing units on a photonic chip, akin to the way processors work on modern computer chips. This innovative approach allows for efficient communication between quantum computing units.

To address the challenge of connecting quantum computers using photons instead of electrical wires (as is in the case of traditional computers), “we will employ silicon carbide waveguides. Photons, the fundamental particles of light, travel along these waveguides, facilitating seamless communication between the quantum components.” explains Kaiser.

“The ultimate goal of the AQuaTSiC project is to develop the best quantum materials and fabrication processes for quantum computing. One of the key differentiators of the project is its focus on scalability. Unlike other specialized quantum computing systems that require custom engineering for each chip, our approach ensures that the fabrication of quantum chips can be easily scaled up through collaborations with industrial partners, and mass-produced, promising widespread accessibility and democratization of quantum computing technology,” he concludes.