Leuven | More than two weeks ago
Thermalization Physics in Quantum Devices: Implications for Large-Scale Quantum Systems
In recent years, advances in engineering and control of individual quantum systems have led to the development of small, noisy intermediate-scale quantum processors (NISQ) with infidelities below the quantum-error correction threshold. However, the path to large-scale, error-corrected quantum processors is still a long way ahead. Among the many experimental implementations considered today, solid-state qubits, namely superconducting and spin qubits, have emerged as popular candidates due to their compatibility with CMOS fabrication techniques, offering potential scalability and integration into existing semiconductor technologies.
Building error-corrected quantum processors necessitates densely connected qubits, readout, and control elements. Traditionally, solid state qubits are arranged in a 2D array on-chip, but this poses a wiring bottleneck for further scaling. Transitioning to 3D-integration using cryogenic flip-chip technology and through-substrate vias (TSVs) addresses this challenge by stacking qubits and control elements in separate chips. This approach boosts qubit density, addressability, and interconnect efficiency. It also allows seamless integration of qubits with peripheral devices like quantum noise-limited amplifiers, cryo-electronics etc.
However, the above envisioned system architecture introduces new challenges related to thermal management at cryogenic temperatures, primarily due to poor electron-phonon coupling of materials used in these chips. The current understanding of cryogenic modelling for CMOS circuits also remains limited, primarily due to the absence of comprehensive transistor models at these extremely low temperatures, as well as accurate models of the (super)conducting cryogenic 3D modules. Passive heat loads of wiring components and on-chip power dissipation coupled with the limited cooling power of commercial dilution refrigerators presents thermal design constraints for large-scale systems. This necessitates accurate thermal modelling to optimize performance and reliability, effectively addressing issues associated with heat dissipation, inter-chip thermal resistance, thermal gradients, thermal crosstalk, and potential on-chip hotspots. As the chips undergo thermal cycling during device cooldowns and operational cycles, aging-related concerns arise, further emphasizing the critical role of thermal modelling in ensuring the long-term reliability and operational stability of qubits.
What you will do:
Who you are:
Type of work: 50% modelling and analysis, 30% characterization, 20% literature research
Daily advisors: Dr. Massimo Mongillo (massimo.mongillo@imec.be)
Supervisor: Prof. Kristiaan De Greve (kristiaan.degreve@imec.be)
Required background: electrical engineering, microelectronics, applied physics, computational physics, or related fields.
Type of work: 50% modelling and analysis, 30% characterization, 20% literature research
Supervisor: Kristiaan De Greve
Daily advisor: Massimo Mongillo
The reference code for this position is 2025-075. Mention this reference code on your application form.