WMI: Microwave Quantum Engineering: From Methods to Hardware and Algorithms

Presentation Abstract
The demonstration of a quantum computer outperforming the largest conventional supercomputers has triggered researchers and enterprises worldwide to work towards improving these systems’ hardware performance and investigating their novel uses in the form of quantum methods and algorithms. In the case of superconducting quantum computers, low temperatures and weak microwave control signals are used, making the quantum nature of the electromagnetic field important. Hence, the design, optimization, and scaling of the respective microwave components must be performed on an entirely new theoretical basis, given by the framework of circuit quantum electrodynamics. For microwave engineers, this signifies a transfer of knowledge from classical electromagnetics to the quantum realm. More or less standard microwave components such as mixers, isolators, parametric amplifiers, and circulators are vital for realizing superconducting quantum computers. Also, alternative quantum computing concepts, such as trapped ions or spin qubits, heavily rely on microwave technology. Modeling the associated devices and components requires methods from quantum theory or hybrid semi-classical quantum approaches, which are particularly important if quantum effects are fundamental to the device’s operation. In tandem with hardware developments, many quantum algorithms have been proposed to exploit the unique properties of quantum computers to solve challenging computational tasks. In the field of electromagnetics, specialized quantum algorithms have the potential for significant speedups against classical computing strategies, especially when it comes to NP-hard optimization problems. Quantum algorithms also show great potential for solving integral equations, inverse scattering problems, and synthesizing antenna radiation patterns. However, at the current stage, inevitable noise and limited qubit coherence times are prohibitive for most methods to show a real quantum advantage. To exploit the full potential of general-purpose quantum computers, which will enable breakthrough applications in the mid and long-term, further technological advances in quantum error correction and qubit readout are necessary. This will require significant scaling of current hardware while continuing to engineer components to achieve improved performance. Thus, in this workshop, we will address current topics in the modeling and experimental realization of microwave devices across a range of quantum hardware platforms. Hardware aspects will be connected to the design and implementation of advanced quantum algorithms for general-purpose quantum computers. The workshop aims to bring together specialists in the modeling, design, and experimental realization of quantum hardware and experts in quantum algorithms with a focus on computational electromagnetics to discuss their individual ideas and perspectives on quantum computing, as well as other emerging technologies like quantum sensors and quantum communications. Another important aspect of this workshop is to provide a comprehensive step-by-step introduction to the strange new world of quantum theory, specially tailored for microwave engineers. This introduction will be given through a comprehensive tutorial at the beginning of the workshop, bridging the language barrier between quantum physics and RF microwave engineering.