Solid-state quantum computers require classical electronics to control and readout individual qubits and to enable fast classical data processing [1-3]. Integrating both subsystems at deep cryogenic temperatures [4], where solid-state quantum processors operate best, may solve some major scaling challenges, such as system size and input/output (I/O) data management [5]. Spin qubits in silicon quantum dots (QDs) could be monolithically integrated with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) electronics using very-large-scale integration (VLSI) and thus leveraging over wide manufacturing experience in the semiconductor industry [6]. However, experimental demonstrations of integration using industrial CMOS at mK temperatures are still in their infancy. Here we present a cryogenic integrated circuit (IC) fabricated using industrial CMOS technology that hosts three key ingredients of a silicon-based quantum processor: QD arrays (arranged here in a non-interacting 3x3 configuration), digital electronics to minimize control lines using row-column addressing and analog LC resonators for multiplexed readout, all operating at 50 mK. With the microwave resonators (6-8 GHz range), we show dispersive readout of the charge state of the QDs and perform combined time- and frequency-domain multiplexing, enabling scalable readout while reducing the overall chip footprint. This modular architecture probes the limits towards the realization of a large-scale silicon quantum computer integrating quantum and classical electronics using industrial CMOS technology.
Solid-state quantum computers require classical electronics to control and readout individual qubits and to enable fast classical data processing [1-3]. Integrating both subsystems at deep cryogenic temperatures [4], where solid-state quantum processors operate best, may solve some major scaling challenges, such as system size and input/output (I/O) data management [5]. Spin qubits in silicon quantum dots (QDs) could be monolithically integrated with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) electronics using very-large-scale integration (VLSI) and thus leveraging over wide manufacturing experience in the semiconductor industry [6]. However, experimental demonstrations of integration using industrial CMOS at mK temperatures are still in their infancy. Here we present a cryogenic integrated circuit (IC) fabricated using industrial CMOS technology that hosts three key ingredients of a silicon-based quantum processor: QD arrays (arranged here in a non-interacting 3x3 configuration), digital electronics to minimize control lines using row-column addressing and analog LC resonators for multiplexed readout, all operating at 50 mK. With the microwave resonators (6-8 GHz range), we show dispersive readout of the charge state of the QDs and perform combined time- and frequency-domain multiplexing, enabling scalable readout while reducing the overall chip footprint. This modular architecture probes the limits towards the realization of a large-scale silicon quantum computer integrating quantum and classical electronics using industrial CMOS technology.
Abstract The most promising quantum algorithms require quantum processors that host millions of quantum bits when targeting practical applications1. A key challenge towards large-scale quantum computation is the interconnect complexity. In current solid-state qubit implementations, an important interconnect bottleneck appears between the quantum chip in a dilution refrigerator and the room-temperature electronics. Advanced lithography supports the fabrication of both control electronics and qubits in silicon using technology compatible with complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS)2. When the electronics are designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures, they can ultimately be integrated with the qubits on the same die or package, overcoming the ‘wiring bottleneck’3–6. Here we report a cryogenic CMOS control chip operating at 3 kelvin, which outputs tailored microwave bursts to drive silicon quantum bits cooled to 20 millikelvin. We first benchmark the control chip and find an electrical performance consistent with qubit operations of 99.99 per cent fidelity, assuming ideal qubits. Next, we use it to coherently control actual qubits encoded in the spin of single electrons confined in silicon quantum dots7–9 and find that the cryogenic control chip achieves the same fidelity as commercial instruments at room temperature. Furthermore, we demonstrate the capabilities of the control chip by programming a number of benchmarking protocols, as well as the Deutsch–Josza algorithm10, on a two-qubit quantum processor. These results open up the way towards a fully integrated, scalable silicon-based quantum computer.
Quantum computing holds the promise to solve many of today's intractable problems. A solid-state quantum computer (QC) is generally made of an array of qubits implemented in one of many solid-state technologies and operating at deep-cryogenic temperatures (10-to-20mK). Silicon spin qubits are a promising candidate for scalable QCs, due to their size, long coherence times and potential for co-integration with the required classical control and readout electronics. Recently, semiconductor spin qubits have been demonstrated to operate at ~1K, thus accelerating the achievement of a compact QC [1]. Classical qubit control electronics has also progressed, with the demonstration of fully-integrated control of spin qubits [2] and transmons [3] implemented in a cryo-CMOS technology. While a cryo-CMOS integrated circuit has been co-integrated with quantum dots [4], fully-integrated readout electronics has not yet been addressed in the literature.
Quantum computing promises to revolutionize our lives, achieving unprecedented computational powers and unlocking new possibilities in drug discovery, chemical simulations and cryptography. The fundamental unit of computation of a quantum computer is the quantum bit (qubit). It can be implemented in a number of technologies, such as superconducting qubits, spin qubits, photonic systems, trapped ions and NV-centers. Solid-state superconducting qubits and spin qubits seem to be the most promising ones, as shown by the recent demonstration of quantum supremacy with a superconducting qubit processor. Such quantum processors, to operate in the quantum regime, require very low temperatures around 10 mK, and they are hence kept inside dilution fridges. The electronics required to read out and control such processors is typically realized by discrete components or bulky scientific instruments at room temperature wired into the dilution fridge. Such approach is only feasible until few (< 100) qubits are handled, but it is not scalable for million-qubit processors required for fault-tolerant operation. In this thesis, readout and control electronics is proposed to be integrated and operated directly at cryogenic temperatures, in close proximity with the qubits and potentially even co-integrated. CMOS technology is advocated for its scalability, compactness and low prototyping cost, to create a comprehensive cryo-CMOS class of fully-integrated transceivers to read out and control solid-state qubits. In particular, the thesis focuses on cryo-CMOS radio-frequency integrated circuits for the readout of silicon quantum computers, looking to integrate the whole readout system, from the quantum layer to the room temperature user interface. Cryogenic CMOS devices are explored first, to lay the foundations of integrated circuit design. The realization of quantum dots in standard CMOS technology is explored as a platform to realize solid-state qubit arrays, demonstrating functionality at 50 mK and good reproducibility. Moreover, the operation of integrated transistors at 50 mK and 4.2 K is explored to understand their basic cryogenic functionality, through characterization and modeling. Then also integrated passives, such as capacitors, inductors and transformers, are studied and modeled at cryogenic temperatures. Then, a fully-integrated readout platform spanning across all the blocks needed for dispersive readout is proposed. A fully-integrated matrix of quantum dots with radio-frequency gate-based readout capabilities is demonstrated along with time- and frequency-multiplexing. This quantum-classical circuit shows all the features for a scalable approach and is the core of the platform following it. A cryogenic CMOS circulator based on a new all-pass filter architecture is demonstrated, to be used as integrated replacement for current bulky counterparts; it allows power reduction, insertion loss and bandwidth enhancement with respect to state-of-the-art integrated circulators. The rest of the front-end is also explored with dedicated test multiplexers, a low noise-amplifier and an oscillator, that are finally merged in a single fully-integrated low-noise receiver with frequency synthesizer operating at 3.5 K for scalable multiplexed readout of silicon qubits. The platform presented in this thesis, across temperature boundaries, carries all the features required for future scalable silicon quantum computing platforms and could therefore form their core.
As quantum processors grow in complexity, the focus is shifting towards the scaling of the entire quantum computing system, including the quantum hardware but as well the classical support electronics. Silicon-based quantum computing offers the enticing possibility that the quantum processor, the quantum-classical interface, and the classical layer can all, in principle, be manufactured using complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, creating an opportunity to move from distributed quantum-classical systems to integrated quantum computing solutions. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in spin-based quantum computing in silicon and present different approaches to help scale the technology using CMOS technology. We discuss the use of industry-manufactured silicon devices as the basic qubit element and present radio-frequency reflectometry techniques for fast high-fidelity spin readout. Finally, we show how quantum-classical co-integration can enable large-scale control and readout via frequency- and time-domain multiplexing.
Quantum processing units will be modules of larger information processing systems containing also digital and analog electronics modules. Silicon-based quantum computing offers the enticing opportunity to manufacture all the modules using the same technology platform. Here, we present a cryogenic multi-module assembly for multiplexed readout of silicon quantum devices where all modules have been fabricated using the same fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) CMOS process. The assembly is constituted by three chiplets: (i) a low-noise amplifier (LNA), (ii) a single-pole eight-throw switch (SP8T), and (iii) a silicon quantum dot (QD) array. We integrate the chiplets into modules and show respectively, (i) a peak gain over 35 dB with a 3-dB bandwidth from 709 MHz to 827 MHz and an average noise temperature of 6.2 K (minimum 4.2 K), (ii) an insertion loss smaller than 1.1 dB and a noise temperature less than 1.1 K over the 0–2 GHz range, and (iii) single-electron box (SEB) charge sensors. Finally, we combine all modules into a single demonstration showing time-domain radio-frequency multiplexing of two SEBs paving the way to an all-silicon quantum computing system.
Abstract Recent advances in quantum error correction codes for fault-tolerant quantum computing and physical realizations of high-fidelity qubits in multiple platforms give promise for the construction of a quantum computer based on millions of interacting qubits. However, the classical-quantum interface remains a nascent field of exploration. Here, we propose an architecture for a silicon-based quantum computer processor based on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. We show how a transistor-based control circuit together with charge-storage electrodes can be used to operate a dense and scalable two-dimensional qubit system. The qubits are defined by the spin state of a single electron confined in quantum dots, coupled via exchange interactions, controlled using a microwave cavity, and measured via gate-based dispersive readout. We implement a spin qubit surface code, showing the prospects for universal quantum computation. We discuss the challenges and focus areas that need to be addressed, providing a path for large-scale quantum computing.