Progetti di ricerca

Over the past decade, there has been a momentous shift in the ability of researchers to utilize quantum-enhanced techniques to probe natural phenomena. The rise in the use of these highly sensitive techniques stems from various reasons, e.g., easier access to the… Leggi tutto cryogenic environments needed to use quantum materials and improved fabrication methods to design and create new quantum “bits.” Almost simultaneously, there has also been an exponential rise in the development and use of machine-learning techniques to aid in identifying targeted topologies arising from rare phenomena. Less common but equally compelling is the combination of these two techniques, whereby one enhances the sensitivity of quantum sensors through on-chip implementation of AI-based algorithms. We propose developing and testing machine-learning techniques for superconducting quantum bits (qubits) to search for particles interacting with these highly sensitive devices. We foresee two significant applications for this research. First, AI-enhanced quantum sensors could be used to search for exotic types of dark matter, such as axions and dark photons. Second, these same algorithms can identify ordinary ionizing particles coming from the local environment, such as cosmic rays and natural radioactivity striking qubits. Radioactivity is a significant obstacle in developing a fault-tolerant quantum computer, and on-chip, rapid verification of radioactivity impingent on a qubit provides a way to circumvent their impact on quantum computations.

The MiSS project targets transformative progress in the emerging field of distributed quantum sensing exploiting multi-mode microwave squeezing. The final goal is to realise a robust and scalable technology for microwave squeezing and generation of nonclassical microwave radiation based on superconducting… Leggi tutto (meta)materials. The three specific objectives of the MiSS project are: 1) Technological innovation, investigating new material and scalable microfabrication approaches to optimise the building blocks to produce Travelling Wave Parametric Amplifiers-based squeezers; 2) Metrology protocols, developing dedicated cryogenic measurement protocols to accurately evaluate the radiation quantumness, opening the way to standardisation; 3) Realisation of a prototype for real world applications, developing a system with scalability potential for distributed quantum sensing in the microwave regime. A use-case dedicated to multi-parameter sensing for material characterisation will be targeted. The outcomes of this project will pave the way towards real exploitation of quantum-enhanced sensing techniques in the microwave regime. The MiSS consortium brings together a unique set of expertise in design, materials, metrology, fabrication, cryogenic characterisation and commercialisation to be able to deliver on this ambitious goal.