Quantum computers exploit quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to solve certain problems that are computationally impractical using classical computers. The rapid developments in the last decade along with significant uptake from multi-national companies such as IBM, Google, etc. and governments have transformed quantum computing from a physics problem to a more engineering problem, making way for commercialisation of different quantum computing technologies.

The most popular quantum computing technologies such as the superconducting quantum computing utilise principles of microwave engineering and metrology to design and test quantum building blocks known as qubits, perform quantum gate operations using these qubits and building a useful scalable quantum processor.

The advancements in quantum computing demands an increase in number of qubits within or across quantum processors leading to a significant increase in microwave cabling and components operating at cryogenic temperatures to operate the quantum processors. This puts stringent requirements on heat-load, space, and signal integrity under these extreme conditions.

The challenges of realizing such practical large-scale quantum computing systems present microwave engineers and metrologists with opportunities in cryogenic microwave modelling, design, measurement, and characterization of cryogenic semiconductor and superconductor components, circuits, systems, and networks.

The talk will review the existing microwave engineering and measurement challenges in realizing a practical quantum computer and will highlight the activities at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory in addressing some of these challenges.

Quantum computers exploit quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to solve certain problems that are computationally impractical using classical computers. The rapid developments in the last decade along with significant uptake from multi-national companies such as IBM, Google, etc. and governments have transformed quantum computing from a physics problem to a more engineering problem, making way for commercialisation of different quantum computing technologies.

The most popular quantum computing technologies such as the superconducting quantum computing utilise principles of microwave engineering and metrology to design and test quantum building blocks known as qubits, perform quantum gate operations using these qubits and building a useful scalable quantum processor. The advancements in quantum computing demands an increase in number of qubits within or across quantum processors leading to a significant increase in microwave cabling and components operating at cryogenic temperatures to operate the quantum processors. This puts stringent requirements on heat-load, space, and signal integrity under these extreme conditions.

The challenges of realizing such practical large-scale quantum computing systems present microwave engineers and metrologists with opportunities in cryogenic microwave modelling, design, measurement, and characterization of cryogenic semiconductor and superconductor components, circuits, systems, and networks.The talk will review the existing microwave engineering and measurement challenges in realizing a practical quantum computer and will highlight the activities at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory in addressing some of these challenges.