BBN operates at the intersection of physics, engineering and computer science, pushing the boundaries of quantum technologies, next-gen computing and photonics. By pioneering new quantum architectures and algorithms, BBN enhances quantum processors and develops novel integrated photonic systems for optical computing, advanced imaging, fieldable capabilities and biophotonics. BBN’s materials science research focuses on 2D materials with quantum properties, leading to advancements like the first demonstration of single-photon detection using single-layer graphene.
SUPERCONDUCTING QUBITS:
Scientists in our cryogenics laboratory are studying qubit systems based on superconducting-circuits. These systems are cooled to milli-Kelvin temperatures and controlled with fast microwave electronics.
To meet the demands for complex experiments, we have developed custom microwave hardware called the arbitrary pulse sequencer, or APS, to control a large number of qubits with complex gate sequences. We have also developed a low-latency feedback system with a field-programmable gate array for determining the state of our quantum circuit – a key capability for implementing error correction.
QUANTUM PROCESS VERIFICATION:
As current quantum devices grow in size, existing techniques to diagnose error and characterize operations become impractical. We are developing novel approaches to verification and characterization of quantum devices that can be practically applied to present day devices, and those expected in the near future. These developments include approximate approaches to characterization, and system-wide benchmarks.
QUANTUM ALGORITHMS:
Our work in quantum algorithms spans two key areas:
QUANTUM CONTROL:
Our team develops hardware, gateware and software for dynamic quantum information processing experiments with superconducting qubits. In dynamic experiments, qubit state information is used to change the implemented control sequence in real-time.
QUANTUM MATERIALS:
Research in materials science is a key propellant for technological advancement. To face the demands for increasing computational power and sensing capabilities, we study emerging 2D materials with quantum properties that can be exploited in novel electronic devices.
One of these wonder materials is graphene, an atomically thin mesh of carbon atoms through which electrons can move relativistically as if they possess no mass. Making use of the minute specific heat of these electrons, our research shows that graphene can detect photons with high sensitivity in wide bandwidth, from microwave to infrared frequencies. In addition, we now have the ability to stack layers with different characteristics into complex heterostructures that can be matched within one device to suit the intended application. We are also exploring new states in Josephson junctions integrated with topological materials.
QUANTUM CONTROL WITH CRYOELECTRONICS:
To build a superconducting quantum computing system, qubits, as well as surrounding classical electronics, must be scalable. We have reported on a key supporting classical technology for microwave controlled superconducting qubits that would enable scaling of a quantum computer beyond impending I/O heat load and bandwidth bottlenecks. And we are exploring applications of scalable cryogenic technologies for qubit systems that include cryogenic digital logic, such as SFQ technology and superconducting microwave components.
HIGH-SPEED, LOW-POWER MEMORY FOR CRYO-COMPUTING:
We are exploring low-power memory technologies, including the integration of superconducting circuits with spintronics. Spintronics systems include spin orbit transfer ferromagnetic memory, which can operate at superconducting circuit temperatures while providing fast, high-density, low-power random access memory located near cryogenic processors.
QUANTUM LIMITED AMPLIFIERS:
In order to perform high fidelity readout and control superconducting qubits, it is necessary to have microwave devices that can amplify quantum signals with low noise and insertion loss.
At BBN we produce parametric amplifiers that have a wide amplification bandwidth of several gigahertz and high saturation power. This enables the amplification of multiple readout tones at different frequencies.
NOVEL NON-RECIPROCAL MICROWAVE COMPONENTS:
We are also studying different applications of parametric interactions. By exploiting the interference between multiple parametric processes in the same device, we obtain directional amplification and nonreciprocal propagation on a superconducting chip. While commercial RF circulators are usually used for this purpose, they are bulky and noisy components that cannot be integrated with our quantum devices.
Our group researches optics and integrated photonics for a broad range of application areas both in the classical and quantum domains of sensing, computing, signal processing, communications, and metrology. Examples of ongoing research projects for the aforementioned applications areas are:
