Physics and Architecture of Spin-Based Quantum Computing with Electrons on the Surface of Liquid Helium

Princeton University, Princeton NJ

Investigators

Abstract

Spin-Based Quantum Computing Using Electrons on the Surface of Liquid Helium: Physics and Computer Architecture This project is an interdisciplinary effort to investigate the physics and the architecture of a new implementation which uses the spin of electrons on the surface of liquid helium as the qubits. The two major research components are the experimental investigation of the underlying physics of manipulating electrons on helium, and the development of architectures and applications that are best be able to utilize the spin-based system: scalable, but including such constrains as maintaining the electrons well separated and avoiding magnetic perturbations. A tight coupling between these activities guides the physics and device experiments on the one hand, and ensures the development of realistic models for the architecture designs on the other. Experiments are being conducted using gates, much like those in charge-coupled imagers, to control electrons on superfluid helium held in lithographically defined channels. Such parallel structures are prototypical of many spin-based implementations, and a particular focus of the architecture effort is on designs which follow from classical gate-array based accelerators for certain problems. This project gives a broad training to the graduate student and postdoctoral fellow working on it. They conduct and are exposed to a wide range of research, including quantum physics, semiconductor technology, low-temperature physics, algorithms and computer architecture. The project provides a wealth of educational opportunities for undergraduates, both within Princeton and from other schools.