Fast Facts
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Democratizing Quantum Research: The SQUILL Foundry at MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides no-cost access to advanced superconducting qubit fabrication capabilities, significantly lowering barriers for researchers on U.S. government-funded projects.
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Enhancing Research Capabilities: Enabled by the foundry, researchers, such as those from Stanford and the University of Rochester, can design and fabricate complex quantum circuits much faster, advancing scientific inquiry and overcoming previous limitations in nanofabrication.
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Transition to Larger-Scale Fabrication: The foundry is transitioning to 200-mm production-scale wafers, improving process control and efficiency, which allows researchers to benefit from higher-quality qubits and increased fabrication capabilities.
- Expanding Access to Quantum Innovation: As the SQUILL Foundry evolves into a full-scale project, it aims to support over 20 research groups, promoting broader participation in superconducting qubit research and helping to nurture future talent in the quantum computing field.
Title: MIT’s Superconducting Qubit Foundry Boosts Quantum Research Progress
MIT Lincoln Laboratory has launched the Superconducting Qubits at Lincoln Laboratory (SQUILL) Foundry, aiming to enhance quantum research accessibility. This initiative democratizes fabrication capabilities vital for developing superconducting qubits, which are essential for quantum computing advancements.
In traditional computing, transistors form the foundational elements. Similarly, qubits serve as the building blocks of quantum computers. The SQUILL Foundry allows researchers to fabricate highly complex superconducting qubits without the prohibitive costs typically associated with advanced tooling. As a result, scientists can focus on innovative areas of superconducting qubit research.
Mollie Schwartz, the principal investigator of the project, emphasizes the significance of this initiative. “Democratizing access to robust, reliable qubit fabrication dramatically lowers the barrier to entry,” she states. By providing free access to high-quality fabrication services, the foundry empowers researchers from various backgrounds to explore quantum circuits.
Researchers from diverse institutions have benefited from the foundry. For instance, Stanford University Professor David Schuster noted that it allowed his lab to explore experiments not previously feasible due to nanofabrication complexities. His students can now design and measure intricate quantum circuits more efficiently.
The SQUILL Foundry operated as a pilot program from July 2021 to February 2023. During this phase, it assisted both experienced researchers and newcomers, significantly impacting scientific inquiries. Users have already produced 13 presentations and are preparing four scientific papers based on their findings.
Transitioning to a full-scale operation, the SQUILL Foundry will continue expanding its capabilities. Future enhancements will include new qubit design options and improved fabrication processes. “This program has already helped nine research groups nationwide,” said Charles Tahan, director of the LPS Qubit Collaboratory.
Moreover, the initiative aims to engage research institutions with limited resources, paving the way for underrepresented schools to foster quantum research. Schwartz highlights this potential, stating that talented students might lead groundbreaking discoveries that reshape technology.
The SQUILL Foundry’s model enhances collaboration across the nation. It ensures that even researchers from lesser-known institutions can access world-class fabrication services. With an anticipated growth in users, this initiative marks a significant step forward in the quest to unlock the full potential of quantum computing. For more information, researchers can reach out to SQUILLFoundry@ll.mit.edu.
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