In the fast-paced world of quantum computing, the quest for higher qubit counts drives continual innovation in engineering. One significant challenge in this pursuit is the measurement of qubits, a process traditionally carried out using parametric amplifiers. However, these devices introduce unwanted noise and can lead to qubit decoherence if not carefully managed. This limitation becomes increasingly problematic as qubit counts scale up, particularly in space-constrained environments like refrigerators. Addressing this issue, the Aalto University research group Quantum Computing and Devices (QCD) has introduced a groundbreaking approach to qubit measurement using thermal bolometers, as detailed in a recent Nature Electronics paper.
Traditionally, qubit measurements using parametric amplifiers are constrained by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which imposes limitations on the simultaneous measurement of certain parameters. This constraint results in added quantum noise that can impact the accuracy of qubit readout. In contrast, bolometric energy sensing offers a distinct advantage by measuring power or photon number, thereby circumventing the restrictions imposed by the Heisenberg principle. Bolometers operate by subtly detecting microwave photons emitted from qubits in a minimally invasive manner, eliminating the quantum noise associated with parametric amplifiers. Furthermore, the compact form factor of bolometers, approximately 100 times smaller than amplifiers, makes them an appealing alternative for qubit measurements.
Professor Mikko Möttönen, head of the QCD research group at Aalto University, highlights the transformative potential of bolometer measurements in advancing quantum computing. By achieving single-shot readout accuracy without the introduction of quantum noise, bolometers offer a significant improvement over traditional amplifiers. In initial experiments, the QCD group demonstrated the accuracy of bolometer measurements for single-shot readout, showcasing their efficiency by consuming 10,000 times less power than conventional amplifiers. The compact size of bolometers, with the temperature-sensitive component fitting inside a single bacterium, underscores their suitability for high-qubit-count scenarios envisioned in the future of quantum computing.
Key to assessing the effectiveness of qubit measurement devices is the concept of single-shot fidelity, which reflects the ability to accurately detect a qubit’s state in a single measurement. The QCD group achieved a single-shot fidelity of 61.8% with a readout duration of 14 microseconds, a promising result that can be further optimized. By considering factors such as the qubit’s energy relaxation time and making strategic modifications, such as transitioning from metal to graphene as the bolometer material, the group anticipates achieving near-perfect single-shot fidelity of 99.9% in a significantly reduced timeframe of 200 nanoseconds. This remarkable progress not only enhances measurement accuracy but also streamlines the overall device design, facilitating the scalability of quantum systems to accommodate higher qubit counts.
Before demonstrating the exceptional single-shot readout fidelity of bolometers in their recent publication, the QCD research group showcased the utility of bolometers for ultra-sensitive microwave measurements in 2019. This pioneering work, conducted in collaboration with the Research Council of Finland Centre of Excellence for Quantum Technology (QTF), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and IQM Quantum Computers, laid the foundation for the subsequent breakthrough in qubit readout accuracy. Leveraging the state-of-the-art OtaNano research infrastructure, the research team continues to advance the frontier of quantum computing through innovative measurement techniques and collaborative partnerships.
The adoption of bolometer measurements represents a significant leap forward in the realm of quantum computing, offering unprecedented accuracy, efficiency, and scalability for qubit readout. As researchers continue to refine and optimize this novel approach, the potential for realizing quantum supremacy and harnessing the power of high-qubit-count systems becomes increasingly achievable. With the innovative work of the QCD research group at Aalto University paving the way, the future of quantum computing appears brighter and more promising than ever before.
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