Cryogenic electronics for quantum computing

IBM recently unveiled plans to realize a 100,000-qubit quantum computer by 2033 [1]. Scaling quantum computers is a matter of advancing both qubit technology and the supporting control and readout infrastructure. The usage of cryogenic electronics can be a key enabler for future scalable electronics supporting quantum computers. This talk will cover the efforts at IBM Research – Zurich in this field.

The approach is to integrate electronics inside the cryostat, at various temperature stages, that can supply key functionalities in a compact and energy-efficient manner. Understanding and leveraging the unique features of cryogenic operation of semiconductor electronics is here important to minimize energy-consumption. This requires not only comprehensive models for devices at low temperatures, but also tailored device and circuit designs. IBM Research – Zurich has in this area been active in cryogenic transistor modeling, Si CMOS design, as well as exploration of novel device concepts uniquely suited for low temperature operation.

[1] https://research.ibm.com/blog/100k-qubit-supercomputer