Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize computing by solving certain computational problems much faster than conventional computers. These machines rely on quantum bits or qubits as their basic building blocks. Various physical platforms, such as nuclear spins, trapped ions, cold atoms, photons, and superconducting Josephson circuits, can be used to realize qubits.
One major challenge in quantum computing is connecting classical electronics to qubits. Qubits require high-frequency electromagnetic signals, often in the microwave frequency domain, for control and readout pulses. The traditional setup for generating and capturing such signals can be costly and complex, involving multiple components. This limitation calls for the development of a more efficient system that integrates all the functionalities onto a single board.
Researchers from the Departments of Physics and Electronic Systems Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have tackled these challenges with the creation of the Scalable Quantum Control and Readout System (SQ-CARS). They utilized the Xilinx RFSoC FPGA board to develop this system, which offers a viable solution to the integration problem.
The team conducted several experiments with superconducting transmon qubits to test the performance of the SQ-CARS system. They compared its capabilities against the traditional setup and found it to be versatile and efficient in measuring multi-qubit devices in the microwave domain.
Benefits of SQ-CARS
According to Vibhor Singh, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at IISc and one of the authors, SQ-CARS is a versatile electronics platform that has been optimized for speed, scalability, complexity, and cost. He believes that it is the first deep-tech effort of its kind from India. The SQ-CARS system offers a scalable and user-friendly platform for physicists to carry out advanced quantum experiments at a fraction of the cost and with a significant reduction in size.
Furthermore, Chetan Singh Thakur, an Associate Professor in the Department of Electronic Systems Engineering at IISc and co-author of the study, emphasizes that the integration of a large number of qubits with control and readout electronics is a core challenge in practical quantum computer development. The SQ-CARS system lays the foundation for scalable indigenous quantum processors.
The development of the Scalable Quantum Control and Readout System using the RFSoC FPGA board represents a significant advancement in the field of quantum computing. By addressing the challenges related to high-frequency signal generation and capture, scalability, and user interface, the researchers at IISc have paved the way for more efficient and cost-effective quantum experiments. With the SQ-CARS system, quantum physicists can explore the potential of quantum computing on a larger scale and contribute to the development of quantum processors.
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