PhD Vacancy – Thermal effects in cryogenic electronics for quantum computing
Quantum computing (QC) research and development have reached an extremely exciting point. Decades of research by academia worldwide has brought us to the point where the commercial world is widely engaged. Despite this progress, there still exist major challenges for the development of practical and useful quantum computers. One of these challenges is the necessity of operating quantum processors at deep cryogenic temperatures. In fact, it is not trivial to generate the sophisticated control sequences made of multiple-channel high-frequency signals at room temperature and timely deliver them to a quantum system which is located in a fairly inaccessible and vacuum-tight cryostat.
A promising solution is based on the realisation of reliable cryogenic electronics that could leverage the vast existing manufacturing infrastructure currently dedicated to conventional integrated circuits (IC), i.e. the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Cryo-CMOS could be a key enabler for the scaling of the main QC platforms because it would make it possible to tightly integrate control, readout and quantum protocols by avoiding the so-called interconnect bottleneck with the room temperature control instrumentation. However, the operation of CMOS electronics at deep cryogenic temperatures requires stringent power management considerations, as well as a knowledge of the local environmental conditions of operation. In fact, each sub-component in a complex chip architecture may experience different local temperatures (even on the same chip) depending on the performed function and the amount of self-heating generated.
This PhD will focus on the development of experimental techniques for accurate on-chip thermal assessment and management. The student will address the following critical challenges:
- Development of novel on-die thermometry techniques using diodes, transistor gate electrodes and CMOS-compatible superconductors.
- Chip-scale thermal mapping based on local heat sources and sensors under realistic operational conditions for quantum computing.
- Thermally accurate circuit modelling aimed at both quantum and classical chip designs.
This project is part of a long-standing collaboration among three key players of the UK quantum landscape: the Quantum Technology Department at the National Physical Laboratory (London), Quantum Motion Technologies (London), a rapidly growing start-up enterprise which develops silicon-based quantum systems, and the Physics Department at the University of Strathclyde. This 4-year PhD project is part of the EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Quantum Technologies. As well as completing a PhD project in an aligned topic, CDT students will also benefit from technical and skills-based training in all aspects of quantum technologies.
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