Quantum computers have long been hailed as the future of computational technology, with the ability to solve complex problems at an unprecedented speed. These cutting-edge machines utilize quantum bits, or qubits, as their basic building blocks. Qubits can be realized using various physical platforms, such as trapped ions and superconducting Josephson circuits. However, connecting classical electronics to these qubits poses a significant challenge.
The quantum states of the qubits require high-frequency electromagnetic signals for control and readout pulses. Traditionally, the generation and capture of such signals have been costly and complex, involving multiple components. To address this issue, a team of researchers from the Departments of Physics and Electronic Systems Engineering at IISc has developed the Scalable Quantum Control and Readout System (SQ-CARS).
The SQ-CARS Solution
The researchers at IISc have utilized the Xilinx RFSoC FPGA board to create the SQ-CARS system. This FPGA-based solution brings together the functionality of traditional equipment onto a single board, offering a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative. The researchers conducted various experiments with superconducting transmon qubits and benchmarked SQ-CARS against the traditional setup.
According to Vibhor Singh, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at IISc, SQ-CARS is a highly versatile electronics platform tailored for speed, scale, complexity, and cost in measuring multi-qubit devices in the microwave domain. This deep-tech effort marks a significant milestone in the Indian quantum computing landscape.
SQ-CARS not only offers scalability but also provides a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to a wider range of physicists. With this groundbreaking development, scientists can now conduct advanced quantum experiments at a fraction of the cost and with a substantial reduction in size.
Paving the Way for Scalable Indigenous Quantum Processors
The integration of a large number of qubits with control and readout electronics has been a fundamental challenge in practical quantum computing. Chetan Singh Thakur, an Associate Professor in the Department of Electronic Systems Engineering at IISc, commends the SQ-CARS project as the foundation for scalable indigenous quantum processors. This ground-breaking technology holds great potential in revolutionizing the future of quantum computing.
The development of the Scalable Quantum Control and Readout System (SQ-CARS) by researchers at IISc demonstrates a significant leap forward in quantum computing. By addressing the challenges of connecting classical electronics to qubits, SQ-CARS provides a versatile, scalable, and user-friendly platform for physicists. With the potential to reduce costs and size, SQ-CARS opens up new possibilities for advanced quantum experiments and lays the groundwork for scalable indigenous quantum processors. The contribution of the IISc team marks an extraordinary achievement, propelling India’s deep-tech efforts in quantum computing.
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