FABrIC Build Your Own Superconducting Quantum Device Workshop

A growing number of Canadian companies (i.e., Qubic, Xanadu, Nord Quantique, DWave, Anyon Systems) are now building quantum computers based on superconducting technology, requiring a combination of components such as quantum bits, couplers, and control and readout lines in a single chip. A local start-up like Red Blue Quantum, based in Waterloo, is providing qubit and superconducting circuit fabrication services to the ecosystem, and its founders have been involved as instructors, participants, or advisers in this event in previous editions. At least one company, Qubic Technologies, is leveraging the technology for sensing, transmitting and receiving applications, making its mark in the field. All these require an understanding of the hardware they rely upon. A small design or fabrication error may lead to a complete failure of a quantum-computer chip or sensor, wasting development time and resources. Therefore, the talent developing these components must master fundamental concepts of physics (quantum mechanics and superconductivity) and state-of-the-art design and simulation tools and techniques to fabricate working devices. Additionally, earlier established companies, including Keysight, Siemens, and Cadence, are opening quantum divisions and providing supporting elements such as tools and instrumentations to the quantum ecosystem. And they can use events such as this one to scope out the requirements for their products. Many other companies or organizations focusing on quantum computing can benefit from a better understanding of the issues faced by the hardware in reproducing the quantum states upon which their applications and algorithms are built.