In the growing field of quantum computing, different implementations of quantum bits (qubits) exist. Promising candidates are qubits based on superconducting material. To control and readout the state of individual qubits as well as entire quantum processors, microwave pulses with frequencies of tens of megahertz (typically after heterodyne down conversion from gigahertz frequencies) and durations in the nanosecond regime have to be generated, captured, and processed.
At IPE, we develop electronics, firmware, and user software to interface between classical and quantum processing domains. The core enablers of our electronics are the RFSoCs of the Zynq family by Xilinx. These are highly integrated, heterogeneous chip families that include application processors, real-time processors, FPGAs, DACs, and ADCs.
With the increasing number of qubits needed to form a real-world quantum computer, the QiController platform developed at IPE based on a single RFSoC device is no longer sufficient. We are actively exploring technologies and strategies to scale up the existing platform in order to interface with tens (short term) but also hundreds or thousands (long term) of qubits in our quest for a real-world quantum computer.
Students are an integral part of our team and one of its pillars. We continuously offer bachelor's and master's theses as well as HiWi jobs in a wide range of topics and are happy to receive active support. Those who are technically enthusiastic will definitely find a varied and exciting field of research here. We propose individual topics upon consultation based on your background and specific interests.
Depending on the exact topic, you may need to have a good understanding of hardware design and signal processing as well as FPGA development using VHDL. For software positions, knowledge of C++ and Python is necessary. Particular physics knowledge is not required.
We are a young, motivated, and interdisciplinary team at Campus North. We work at the intersection between physics, electrical engineering, and computer science. If you are interested in joining our mission towards building a quantum computer, please contact one of us.