Ferrotransmons and Ferrogatemons for Scalable Quantum Computers
EU Horizon 2020 collaborative research project for breakthrough results
pRESS rELEASE
10th May 2024
The FERROMON project has been selected and supported by the EU as one of the Pathfinder projects in the field of quantum computation. With its Pathfinder programme, the EIC supports the exploration of bold ideas for radically new technologies. With this spirit, the FERROMON Consortium, composed of the University of Napoli, the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, and the three leading companies Quantware, Qblox, and QuantrolOx, brings together quantum technologists and researchers with the following questions:
- Can we design novel superconducting qubits with more attractive scalability profiles?
- And can we accelerate their development with automated bring-up characterization and testing using the best of today’s industrial-grade quantum technology?
FERROMON will provide European scientific and industrial communities with a novel building block to develop quantum computers based on a new kind of superconducting qubit. In FERROMON project we will use both tunnel ferromagnetic Josephson junctions and semiconducting nanowire junctions to replace the traditional Josephson Junctions to form transmon-based quantum processors with enhanced functionalities in terms of control and scalability. We expect this to contribute to solve at least four of the most prominent problems in current state-of-the-art implementations of superconducting circuits:
(1) Connectivity and related heat load,
(2) Low two-qubit gate fidelity,
(3) Drifting calibration parameters and
(4) Instability in qubit frequency.
FERROMON based systems have a significantly improved scalability potential compared to the current state-of-the-art solutions thanks to reduction of needed control lines, which will entice major players in the deep tech sector to fund additional research and development. FERROMON will create a significant, long-lasting effect on quantum technologies in both Europe and worldwide by revolutionizing how superconducting based quantum computers are built.
Moreover, FERROMON based quantum computers will require less resources and consume less energy with respect to current superconducting based quantum computing platforms which aligns perfectly with goals of the European sustainable development and green deal. Future FERROMON based quantum computing platforms will provide easier modularity (less cabling) and higher energy efficiency (less current density) which will work together to reduce costs and boost profits.
The Ferromon consortium
We propose alternative approaches to superconducting qubit technology. State-of-the-art implementations require flux-bias lines to tune the qubit frequency. These lines are controlled with currents which can damage qubit performance by inducing undesirable magnetic fields. This is detrimental to qubit performance and presents a severe bottleneck for scalability, as these lines are associated with significant heat dissipation. In this project, we advance two novel superconducting qubit designs capable of overcoming this challenge by eliminating the need for flux lines. This will involve the investigation of SIsFS junctions and their integration into quantum processors. One innovation track will implement SIsFS junctions in a transmon geometry—ferrotransmons. The other will hybridize gatemons and π-junction to deliver a ferrogatemon. Three of Europe’s leading quantum startups will integrate these alternative qubit types into prototype full-stack systems to test the implications of these novel approaches on scalability and performance quality. Scalable Quantum Computers Ferrotransmons and Ferrogatemons
UNINA
The Physics Department of the University of Napoli has a long- standing tradition on weak superconductivity and superconducting electronics, in particular on the Josephson effect and macroscopic quantum phenomena also in unconventional systems, where know-how on material science combines with deep knowledge on how to engineer quantum coherence in real devices. Find out more at www.fisica.unina.it
NBI - University of Copenhagen
The Niels Bohr Institute represents physics at the University of Copenhagen. At the Niels Bohr Institute we research and teach within a broad spectrum of physics areas. The Center for Quantum Devices (part of Niels Bohr Institute) is a research center, comprising materials research, experimental solid-state physics, quantum nanoelectronics, and condensed matter theory. The Center provides a vibrant scientific environment with cutting-edge research performed across many different groups spread across condensed matter and superconducting qubit experiments with close ties to a strong theory department as well as longstanding collaborations with industry. Find out more at qdev.nbi.ku.dk
QuantWare
QuantWare is the world’s leading supplier of Quantum Processors. The company develops, designs and manufactures quantum processors based on a patented 3D architecture that will allow the industry to massively scale quantum computers. Quantware also delivers supporting hardware and services, further enabling customers to use quantum technology to solve real-world challenges. Visit QuantWare at www.quantware.eu
QBLOX
QBLOX bv is a Delft-based SME that provides modular and highly integrated control electronics and software for quantum technology. QBLOX was founded in 2018 as a spin-out from QuTech, one of Europe’s leading quantum technology hubs. Since then, the company has grown to 80+ scientists, engineers and developers with backgrounds in electrical engineering, software engineering and physics. QBLOX has focused so far on revolutionizing control stacks for gate model quantum computing by 1) making fully-integrated and extremely scalable hardware that drastically simplifies experimental setups, 2) paving the way towards Quantum Error Correction protocols with 100s of qubits by creating a distributed processor architecture 3) pushing two- qubit gate fidelities by creating electronics with the market’s best noise and drift performance. Find out more at www.qblox.com
QuantrolOx
QuantrolOx is the developer of Quantum Edge software for qubit, and quantum processor tune up automation. We envision a world where every quantum computer will be fully automated enabling quantum scientists to spend less time tuning qubits and more time on advancing quantum computing, thereby accelerating the path to practical quantum computers. Quantum Edge integrates with major quantum hardware providers by building on open-architecture principles enabling organisations to select the best components for their quantum systems. Find out more at www.quantrolox.com
Funded by:
European Commission Funding & tender opportunities: Pathfinder Grant
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them