PhotonQ – Measurementbased and scalable quantum processor

The idea behind quantum computers is that they are expected to one day solve problems at a high speed that are not workable for classic computer systems. However, until those computers become practical, they will have to process a significantly higher number of qubits and prove lower error rates. A joint research group around Professor Stefanie Barz of the University of Stuttgart is currently developing a photonic quantum processor, which will allow the realization of quantum algorithms with a small number of qubits and, in the long run, enable rapid scaling to qubit numbers relevant to practical applications.

A wide variety of approaches exist to explore new, scalable quantum processors: Atomic and ion traps, superconductors, semiconductors or entangled photons. In the PhotonQ project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with around 16 million euros, the Universities of Stuttgart, Würzburg, Mainz and Ulm, the Technical University of Munich, Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart and Vanguard Automation GmbH aim to develop a processor for a photonic quantum computer. At the heart of the quantum processor is an integrated photonic chip.

In PhotonQ, IMS CHIPS is researching and developing the integrated photonic chips with new types of components, such as extremely low-attenuation phase shifters (see cover image: Principle of the measurable quantum processor). In addition, an optical AVT with low transmission losses will be established.