In my role as Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Solid-State Circuit Society (SSCS), I have recently given a few talks at SSCS chapter around the world.
The title of my talk was:
“Cryogenic CMOS Interfaces for Large-Scale Quantum Computers”
I gave a brief overview of how quantum computers will change our world and gave a glimpse of how they work. But most importantly I introduced the audience to the role that electrical engineers and integrated-circuits (IC) designers have in the development of those wonderful machines. ICs operating at cryogenic temperatures will be a fundamental enabler of large-scale quantum computers!
Current quantum processors comprise only a few quantum bits, or qubits, (less than 100) and can then be directly wired to room-temperature electronics (see figure). However, quantum computers will need thousands or even millions of qubits to address relevant problems. Since it is impossible to use thousands of cables to connect the cryogenic qubits to room-temperature electronics, we must develop a cryogenic and integrated electronic interface to relieve constraints on wiring and thus enable large-scale quantum computers.
The last lectures included:
- November 6th, 2018, hosted by the SSCS Oregon Chapter, held at Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon. Described also in the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Magazine.
- December 5th, 2018, hosted by the SSCS Benelux Chapter, held at KU Leuven in Leuven, Belgium. Described also in the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Magazine.
- February 21st, 2019, hosted by the SSCS Silicon Valley Chapter, held at Texas Instruments in Santa Clara, California. Described also in the IEEE Solid-State Circuit webpages.
Moving the electronic interface form room-temperature to cryogenic temperature will enable large-scale quantum computer.
