TECHNERGETICS, LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 08b

Description

As the global race for faster and more efficient technology proliferates, it is imperative that the United States stay at the forefront of information processing, sensing, networking, communications, and security. The need is growing for complex technical problems to be solved more quickly, and for information to be processed and delivered more securely. The principles of quantum mechanics are considered critical to satisfying this demand. Problem Statement. Experimentation which enables the development and application of quantum technologies requires a complex suite of testbed equipment including lasers, ultra-high vacuums, an atomic source assembly, an ion pump, and direct current and radio frequency feedthrough connectors, among others. The level of precision, and the extreme specifications, make this some of the most complicated equipment to operate successfully. These systems currently source and trap ions via an atomic flux generated by ablation lasers however, other sources are under development, which will allow development across multiple species of interest. Currently, there is no open source software solution that facilitates calibration, characterization, and control of quantum processors. The lack of a turn-key solution results in lengthy, labor-intensive, error-prone quantum experimentation, and prevents development and expansion of the market. The object of Phase I is to conduct research and development that creates open source software and a user interface to support and enhance experimentation in quantum physics, through the calibration, characterization, and control of quantum lab hardware from state preparation and measurement through gate implementation and compilation. Phase I will conclude with a demonstration of prototype software meeting this objective with a select sample subset of quantum testbed equipment. Phase lI will broaden the scope and capabilities of the software to include additional hardware, interfaces, tools, and automation, to efficiently calibrate and control quantum processors. The software will benefit quantum development and experimentation, in support of research and development throughout the federal government, and into a vibrant and growing commercial market. Presently, there is no commercially available turn-key solution which proposes to be a complete control system with an elegant user interface for quantum information experiments. This makes the development of this capability essential to continue our leadership in this field, and our influence throughout global quantum development and implementation.