Advanced quantum device design for high-performance quantum simulations ( Giorge Gemisis SQA)

Project Member(s): Langford, N.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Sydney Quantum Academy
Sydney Quantum Academy

Start year: 2022

Summary: Simulating quantum systems can be prohibitively computationally intensive even for the most powerful supercomputers, but quantum computers can potentially solve these tasks efficiently, because they mirror the rules governing the underlying systems. These applications are driving massive research investment and extraordinary progress in industry-scale development, especially in the superconducting quantum processors studied in this project, including from big-tech players like Google, IBM, and Intel. At their core, these rapid advances are enabled and driven by innovations in device design and fabrication. Experiments at the Millikelvin Quantum Science (MQS) laboratory, led by A/Prof. Nathan Langford, aim to push the technological boundaries of superconducting quantum simulators using small- to medium-scale devices. During my final undergraduate year and honours, I have been working with the Langford group to develop new tools for device design that work in with an industry-first tool developed by IBM, Qiskit Metal. In my PhD project, I will build on this to design, fabricate and test state-of-the-art new devices to optimise performance for applications in quantum simulations. Specifically, we will develop cutting-edge quantum hardware to achieve longer device lifetimes and new, sophisticated interactions, by combining new materials such as Tantalum thin films with novel circuit designs like fluxonium qubits.

FOR Codes: Quantum information, computation and communication, Quantum technologies, Quantum engineering systems (incl. computing and communications), Expanding knowledge in the physical sciences, Expanding knowledge in engineering