RADIABEAM SYSTEMS, LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: 32b

Description

Quantum computers (QC) have the potential to efficiently solve problems currently unfeasible on even the fastest generation of classical computers, drastically advancing the frontiers of high energy physics and science in general. The building block element of a QC is a quantum bit (qubit). Encoding qubit states in high-Q resonant cavity modes is a solution to maintain qubit states, however there is a need forsimpler, cheaper and at the same time reliable and accurate fabrication techniques capable of realizing new complex highly efficient qubit cavity designs. In order to simplify scaled-up production of the superconducting high quality factor resonant cavities (HiQ3D) for QC applications, RadiaBeam is developing a novel approach utilizing the Electron Beam- based Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) process. In Phase I we investigated and successfully demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating HiQ3D cavities using two different metal AM technologies; electron beam melting (EBM), and selective laser melting (SLM). Using a quarter wave resonator (QWR) design optimized for QIS), we fabricated several Niobium (Nb) and Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) HiQ3D QWR cavities and characterized their performance. In Phase II we will develop a complete fabrication process, including hardware and software solutions to allow EBAM of high-quality niobium and titanium HiQ3D cavities for QIS. Optimized HiQ3D cavity designs will be generated, EBAM-fabricated, and experimentally tested at mK temperatures. Josephson junction-based qubits will be integrated into the HiQ3D cavities, and also experimentally tested. The emerging field of Quantum Computing (QC), although presently in its infancy, is rapidly growing and has immesne commercial potential. The commercial and social implications associated with QCs are far-reaching, from testing how various compounds interact with corona virus components, new drug and vaccine discoveries, to Homeland Security and DOD applications. The technical approach developed in this project can also be applied to other applications using niobium and titanium, such as SRF accelerating cavities, rocket engines, and medical implants.