Thermo-mechanical challenges for quantum devices

Abstract

In the last few years Technical University of Delft, under leadership of Prof.dr.ir. Leo Kouwenhoven, has developed several successful concepts for quantum devices that are suitable for quantum computing and quantum communication. From a quantum research point of view we are still in a very fundamental state, several practical issues already arise that are also important to a successful application and industrialization of quantum computing and communication. This paper will focus on these application issues. The quantum devices have the following challenges: (1) thousands to millions of the basic quantum manipulator, referred to as QuBit, must be connected to the outside (conventional electronic) world; (2) the circuits must be made stable and reproducible; (3) the excitation and control of the quantum states requires advanced low-power RF based control electronics; (4) they need to operate at very low (1K or less) to enable superconductivity that provides the right environment to induce the quantum states, as well as to minimize thermal energy interference of the quantum states. As the quantum device under investigation is built from nano-wires and thin metal films and operates at near zero [K], material properties will deviate typical bulk values at room temperature. Atomistic simulations are used to estimate these values and obtain insight into the mechanical behavior of the wire. A continuum model, that uses results of the atomistic simulations is used to obtain insight into the thermo-mechanical loading of the quantum devices due to cool down to the operating temperature of near zero Kelvin.