Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize computing by solving specific computational problems at a much faster rate than ordinary computers. These machines utilize quantum properties and are built using quantum-bits or qubits. Qubits can be created using various physical platforms, such as nuclear spins, trapped ions, cold atoms, photons, and superconducting Josephson circuits. However, the challenge lies in connecting classical electronics to these qubits, especially in terms of generating and capturing high-frequency electromagnetic signals for control and readout purposes.
The Traditional Setup Problem
The traditional setup for generating and capturing high-frequency signals often involves complex and expensive components. This setup requires specialized room temperature microwave electronics to control and read the quantum states of the qubits. To address this issue, researchers from the Departments of Physics and Electronic Systems Engineering at IISc have developed the Scalable Quantum Control and Readout System (SQ-CARS) using Xilinx RFSoC FPGA board.
Addressing the Challenges
The development of SQ-CARS aims to tackle three main challenges in quantum computing: the generation and capture of high-fidelity microwave signals, scalability, and a user-friendly interface. By integrating all the functionalities of the traditional equipment onto a single FPGA-based board, the researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field.
The researchers conducted various experiments using superconducting transmon qubits to test the effectiveness of the SQ-CARS system. The system was benchmarked against the traditional setup, and the results were promising. According to Vibhor Singh, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at IISc and one of the authors, “SQ-CARS is quite a versatile electronics platform which has been extensively tuned up for speed, scale, complexity, and cost, while measuring multi-qubit devices in the microwave domain.” This deep-tech effort from India is the first of its kind and showcases the potential of indigenous quantum research.
Benefits of SQ-CARS
The SQ-CARS system offers several advantages to physicists and researchers in the field of quantum computing. First, it provides a scalable platform for conducting advanced quantum experiments at a fractional cost, reducing the overall expenses by more than 10 times. Additionally, the system significantly decreases the size of the setup, making it more compact and convenient for experimental setups.
The successful development of SQ-CARS lays the foundation for scalable indigenous quantum processors, according to Chetan Singh Thakur, an Associate Professor in the Department of Electronic Systems Engineering at IISc and one of the authors. Integrating a large number of qubits with control and readout electronics has been a core challenge in practical quantum computer development, and SQ-CARS addresses this issue efficiently. With further advancements and optimizations, FPGA-based systems like SQ-CARS hold immense potential in unlocking the power of quantum computing.
The development of the Scalable Quantum Control and Readout System (SQ-CARS) using FPGA technology marks a significant advancement in the field of quantum computing. By addressing the challenges of generating and capturing high-frequency signals, scalability, and user-friendliness, the researchers have provided a versatile electronics platform. The SQ-CARS system offers a cost-effective and compact solution for physicists to conduct advanced quantum experiments. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for the development of scalable indigenous quantum processors, bringing India to the forefront of deep-tech efforts in the field. As research and development in FPGA-based systems continue to evolve, the possibilities for advancements in quantum computing are vast and exciting.
Leave a Reply