December 04, 2024 -- Dr Florian Kaiser, Head of the Quantum Materials group at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), has been awarded a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant worth €3 million over a five-year period. This grant will fund the research project, “Q-Chip”, which aims to demonstrate that quantum processors and quantum memories can be operated simultaneously on a single chip, thus overcoming existing scalability challenges in quantum technologies.

Focus on a scalable semiconductor integration of quantum technology

“A major question in modern quantum technology is whether we can combine individual demonstration experiments to create practical, real-world applications,” explains Dr Kaiser. “Theoretical studies suggest that linking quantum memories and processors – such as on a single chip – could allow even small systems to deliver significant quantum advantages. This will be immediately relevant for setting up a quantum internet, and, at a later stage, quantum computers.”

The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a prototype that mimics Apple's latest M-line chips, incorporating both processor and memory modules on the same chip. This integration will enable superior performance and minimal energy consumption, aligning with the future of quantum technology: scalable, efficient, and practical systems.

Dr Kaiser emphasized that the immediate aim of the project is to create a proof of concept for scalable quantum integration. “We will prioritize hardware development in the first phase of the project,” he said. “Quantum-specific benchmarking experiments will only commence in the final stage.” The initial prototype will consist of a single quantum processor and a single quantum memory, which can be connected via entanglement in a photonic network. At the end of the project, the team aims to present a fully characterized prototype and provide a roadmap for subsequent developments.

Leveraging existing research in silicon carbide

The project will build on groundbreaking research, also led by Dr Kaiser and his team, that explores silicon carbide's potential to significantly improve scalability in quantum computing.

On completion, this project will drive a major shift towards reliable, affordable, and widely accessible quantum technologies. Europe is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, as it dominates the global silicon carbide industry with over 70% market share.

The project is anticipated to commence around April next year and span a total of five years.