Novel Qubit Readout for Scalable Quantum Computing

PhD topic: Novel Qubit Readout for Scalable Quantum Computing

Quantum computers promise to solve problems that are beyond the reach of today's most powerful supercomputers [1]. Among the leading hardware platforms are superconducting qubits, microscopic electrical circuits that exploit quantum mechanics to encode and process information. Although quantum processors containing hundreds of qubits have already been demonstrated, building machines with millions of qubits remains one of the grand challenges of modern science and engineering [2].

A major obstacle is qubit readout. Qubits operate at temperatures close to absolute zero (around 10 mK) and require a large number of microwave cables, amplifiers, and filtering components that connect the quantum processor to room-temperature electronics. As quantum processors grow, this wiring infrastructure becomes increasingly difficult to scale [3].

At imec, we are developing a radically different approach in which qubits are interfaced directly with cryogenic electronics located at the coldest stage of a dilution refrigerator [4]. Achieving this vision requires a fundamental rethinking of qubit readout. Instead of relying on extremely weak microwave signals, this project will explore entirely new readout concepts based on specially designed quantum circuits that can operate with much stronger readout signals while preserving the fragile quantum state of the qubit [5,6]. Success would enable direct integration with cryoCMOS electronics and remove one of the most significant hardware bottlenecks in large-scale quantum computing.

As a PhD researcher, you will study the physics of superconducting quantum circuits, explore the interaction between qubits and microwave resonators, and investigate non-linear quantum effects in many-body systems. You will design and simulate novel planar readout circuits, fabricate superconducting devices in imec's nanofabrication facilities, and characterize them using state-of-the-art cryogenic measurement systems.

This project is ideally suited for a highly motivated student with a master's degree in physics, electrical engineering, nanoelectronics, or a related field. A background in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, microwave engineering, device fabrication or semiconductor devices is beneficial, but strong curiosity and enthusiasm for experimental research are equally important.

Join us in shaping the hardware foundations of future quantum computers. Your research could help redefine how quantum processors are read out and scaled, enabling the next generation of quantum technologies. The position is supported by ERC project SuperQold.

Approximate Project Distribution

[1] Arute, et al., Nature 574, 505–10 (2019).

[2] Megrant et al., Nature Electronics 8, 549 (2025).

[3] Krinner, et al., EPJ Quantum Technology 6, 2 (2019).

[4] Acharya, et al., VLSI (2022).; Acharya, et al. Nat. electronics 6, 900 (2023).

[5] Reed, et al., Physical Review Letters 105, 173601 (2010).

[6] Lledó et al., Nature Communications 14, 6313 (2023).