Project description
Capturing quantum dynamics on the picosecond scale
A key quantity used to characterise the performance of a quantum device is the ratio between two characteristic times: the time a qubit can survive its quantum properties and the time it takes to complete its operation. Most technologies inherently work at the nanosecond scale. The EU-funded UltraFastNano project will pioneer new concepts at the crossroads between quantum optics and solid-state nanoelectronics. Its aim is to achieve full control of quantum excitations that propagate through the devices on the picosecond scale, about three orders of magnitude faster than other quantum technologies. The project is expected to demonstrate flying qubits, picosecond electronic detectors and picosecond optoelectronic devices.
Objective
A key figure of merit of quantum technologies is the ratio between two characteristic times: the (decoherence) time during which a quantum state remains well defined and the time it takes for operating the device. Most technologies inherently work at the nano-second scale, hence concentrate on fighting decoherence processes. The goal of UltraFastNano is to pioneer new concepts at the crossroads between quantum optics and solid-state nanoelectronics at the pico-second scale, almost three orders of magnitude faster than other quantum technologies. Using fermionic flying excitations created with pico-second controlled voltage pulses at cryogenics temperatures (10 mK), we envision achieving full control of quantum excitations that propagate through electronic devices. A key deliverable of UltraFastNano is (i) the demonstration of the first electronic flying quantum bit, a paradigm-shifting approach to quantum computing and quantum communication. Besides, such a technology would enable major new applications such as (ii) electronic sources and detectors that operate at the picosecond scale; (iii) picosecond optoelectronic devices that convert between electronic and photon pulses; (iv) beyond state-of-the-art metrological measurement of the ampere. To achieve this vision, UltraFastNano will establish a unique unprecedented platform for creating, manipulating and detecting quasi-particles excitations at the single-electron level in semiconductor heterostructures. We will unlock two major technological bottlenecks: a picosecond on-demand coherent single particle source and the single-shot detection of propagating excitations at the discrete charge level. UltraFastNano gathers a team with complementary expertise in quantum nano-electronics, optics, nano-fabrication, microwave electronics, cryogenics, theoretical physics, applied mathematics and software engineering. The partners are internationally recognised for having played a key role in the emergence of the field.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcomputer hardwarequantum computers
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesoptics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physicsquantum optics
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynanoelectronics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
75794 Paris
France