Imec Expands its Silicon Platform for Quantum Computing Applications

Leuven (Belgium) – May 17, 2016 – At the Quantum Europe conference, taking place in Amsterdam, Belgian’s nanoelectronincs research center imec announced today that it is ramping-up its R&D activities focused on quantum computing. Imec will implement qubits and supporting nanoelectronic functionality for quantum computing, leveraging its advanced silicon (Si) platform that was established within the framework of its industrial affiliation program with additional support from the EU through e.g. ECSEL projects SENATE and TAKE-5. 

Widely seen as a possible solution to complex computing problems which are intractable on classical computers, quantum computing uses quantum physics to create and manipulate quantum states within electronic devices (qubits) to enhance the performance over that of existing, ‘classical’ approaches. Of the many device proposals for qubit implementation, the ones compatible with existing Si technology will provide the most viable solution for interfacing with the outside world. 

The goal of imec’s initiative is to establish a bridge between the most advanced transistor technology and emerging quantum technology options, representing a natural extension of imec’s Si platform. This will ensure routes to demonstrate the quantum computing functionality compatible with industries’ platform technologies. Assuming a key position in the quantum technologies ecosystem, imec will support the transition of new quantum technologies, from the physics lab to technology feed into the supply chain. Imec’s platform will help translate laboratory demonstrators into commercial products. It will be open for universities, SMEs and industrial partners of imec’s quantum technologies programs. 

“The coming decades will be characterized by a wave of quantum technology based applications, ranging from communication, simulation and sensing, to computation. However, to enable this, the industry will need technical support to adopt and to integrate these new technologies into products and services”, stated Jo De Boeck, CTO at imec. “ Imec’s industry relevant Si platform for the advanced technology nodes, is currently used to screen technology options for the 5nm nodes and beyond. The same platform is hence the ideal basis to start implementing quantum devices as quantum effects are becoming the starting point of developing a quantum platform.”