QLSI will Contribute to EC Quantum Computing Goals

Expanding for scalability

Initially, the Quantum Flagship initiative recognised Superconducting and Trapped Ion quantum computing as the key areas to explore. But upon further investigation, the initiative also recognised the power and value of silicon spin qubits. Together, the three different quantum technologies offer the best opportunity to take full advantage of quantum computing for data processing, hack-proof quantum internet and more.

Given that silicon-based qubits rely on standard semiconductor technology, the potential for silicon spin qubits to contribute to the scale-up of quantum computing became evident. Silicon offers smaller, high fidelity, swift read-out and manipulation chips that may accelerate quantum-computing development and enable scalability.

Expertise at work

That’s why the EU launched a new consortium to explore silicon technologies in quantum computing. Over the next four years, the Quantum Large-Scale Integration with Silicon (QLSI) consortium will investigate the scalability and fidelity of silicon nanostructures and spin qubits, with an aim to make a significant contribution to the future of computing technology.

Recently, TNO and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) – collaborating in QuTech – designed and built Quantum Inspire: an open-source platform that offers users access to technologies that perform quantum computations. The 2-qubit quantum chip that powers the platform is based on silicon spins. Now that the Quantum Flagship aims to scale up silicon spin qubit technology, QuTech was an ideal partner to join the consortium.

Collaboration for acceleration

QLSI, led by CEA, brings TNO together with 18 other universities, RTOs, and technology developers to take a closer look at silicon spin qubit technology, address the current issues and enable scalability. TNO will contribute its knowledge of control hardware and integration and help develop a demonstrator that proves the technology’s efficacy.

In the next four years, QLSI aims to:

• Fabricate & operate a 16-qubit quantum processor based on industry-compatible semiconductor technology
• Demonstrate high-fidelity (>99%) single- and two-qubit gates, read-out and initialisation in a lab
• Develop an 8-qubit quantum computer prototype with online open access for the community
• Document the requirements to enable scalability to systems with >1,000 qubits.

Participation for recognition

The Quantum Flagship projects, including QLSI, will help establish the EU as a leader in quantum technology across a broad scale of applications. And QLSI specifically will help advance knowledge and understanding about silicon-based quantum computing systems.

By participating in the consortium, TNO not only makes its knowledge and expertise available on the European stage, but also gains essential knowledge about the key issues that impact the technology, as well as the solutions that are needed to overcome them. TNO will carry that knowledge forward as it continues to work towards the quantum technologies of the future.