#spinqick

HRL Labs News

HRL Laboratories introduced SpinQICK, a cutting-edge, open-source semiconductor spin-qubit control technology. This innovation will make quantum computing research and infrastructure affordable, making powerful quantum instruments more accessible.

Spin qubits are fundamental to next-generation quantum computing. Complex functioning requires highly specialised and expensive control systems. HRL's spinQICK addresses this issue by simplifying and reducing the cost of such systems. Researchers can swiftly build and scale experimental setups using widely available, commercial FPGA technology.

“HRL is helping to advance the quantum computing industry and spin qubit community by creating a cost-effective solution for academic and industry partners,” stated HRL spinQICK principle investigator Andrew Oriani, outlining the initiative's strategic importance. HRL's commitment to democratising quantum instruments was echoed by spinQICK lead developer and co-PI Abbie Wessels. As quantum scientific and engineering leaders, we believe that publicly releasing tools like spinQICK will improve science and push spin qubit research.

Using an Open-Source Foundation

SpinQICK is a strategic expansion of QICK, not a new product. QICK is a core open-source toolkit developed by Fermilab, the top particle physics lab of the U.S. Department of Energy. Fermilab pioneered quantum infrastructure with the Quantum Science Centre and Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Centre.

The collaborative nature of open-source development was praised by Fermilab's QICK lead developer Gustavo Cancelo. Cancelo said SpinQICK shows how open-source technologies like QICK spread across borders, including national labs, academia, and industry. HRL's work is impressive. This relationship suggests mutual growth in quantum computing, a fast-growing subject.

Advanced Quantum Control Features and Capabilities

Xilinx RFSoC FPGAs integrate flawlessly with spinQICK, an open-source platform. The interoperability allows users to quickly implement application-specific controls for various quantum operations. The approach supports single-qubit and two-qubit operations, fundamental to quantum computing studies.

HRL spinQICK's distinctive features and capabilities:

Support for affordable Xilinx RFSoC FPGAs. This helps users build application-specific spin-qubit control hardware and software quickly.

Helping single-spin (Loss-DiVincenzo) qubits perform their basic duties.

Optimisation of the spin-qubit environment requires electrostatic tune-up and charge-stability.

Initialisation and parity readout are essential for qubit state setup and evaluation.

Key features and gate operations can be coherently controlled and defined on one spin. This includes Ramsey sequences.

characterising qubit coherence durations with T2-Echo measurements

Characterising gates with all-XY sequences

Qubit interaction control requires exchange calibration.

Support for two-qubit gates is essential for building complex quantum circuits. Plotting, parameter management, and demonstration help spinQICK beginners.

Growing the workforce and adoption

One of spinQICK's advantages is workforce development and quantum outreach. HRL intends to facilitate speedy and effective connection with semiconductor quantum computing research labs and academic institutions by offering a cost-efficient alternative.

HRL funded a Harvey Mudd College clinic team to demonstrate this dedication. Last year, the last student team integrated spinQICK with unique analogue control gear at HRL. This software shows the tool's versatility and role in training quantum scientists and engineers.

Importantly, spinQICK hardware is “much less expensive than similar custom or other commercial hardware systems currently on the market, without sacrificing performance.” This affordability should alter quantum research worldwide by speeding up and widening the adoption of standardised measurement and control methods for electrostatically bound spin-qubits.