Research Challenges
The QSDF addresses a range of research questions from overlapping themes
Materials for Quantum (noise, disorder, topological)
A wide range of quantum technologies rely on states with long lifetimes. Josephson quantum circuits and semiconductor spin qubits are frontrunners in the race to realise a universal quantum computer. Optimising the materials and interfaces is critical for reaching threshold performance for error correction. QSDF users are engaged in optimising superconducting thin films for quantum circuits, measuring noise in silicon substrates
Conventional superconducting quantum circuits combine Aluminium and Niobium thin films with oxide Josephson junctions.
Microwave-to-optical transduction
Quantum computers based on microwave signals in superconducting circuits operate at cryogenic temperatures, but the best means of transmitting information over long distances is by utilising optical fibres at room temperature. The impact and importance of a device to coherently bridge cryogenic microwave circuits and room temperature optical telecommunications is thus difficult to overstate.