16 million euros for photonic quantum processors

Concept of the measurement-based quantum processor.
Photo: Universität Stuttgart / Stefanie Barz

Quantum computers will one day be able to solve problems at high speed that cannot be handled by classical computer systems. However, in order for these computers to become practical, they must process a significantly higher number of qubits and have lower error rates. A research project led by Prof. Stefanie Barz from the University of Stuttgart is now developing a photonic quantum processor for this purpose, which allows the realisation of quantum algorithms with only a few qubits and, in the future, should enable rapid scaling to qubit numbers that are relevant for practical applications.

There are many different approaches to researching new, scalable quantum processors: atom and ion traps, superconductors, semiconductors or entangled photons. In PhotonQ, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with 16 million euros, the universities of Stuttgart, Würzburg, Mainz and Ulm, the Technical University of Munich, the Institute for Microelectronics Stuttgart and Vanguard Automation GmbH will develop a photonic quantum processor. The heart of the quantum processor is an integrated photonic chip.

In PhotonQ, IMS CHIPS is researching and developing the integrated photonic chips with novel components, such as ultra-low attenuation phase shifters. In addition, an optical AVT with low transmission losses will be established to connect the individual system components.