Superconducting atom chips for higher computing power

Today, computing power is an important success factor – especially in times where “Big Data”, the processing of large data volumes, is being discussed by everyone. The University of Tübingen and the Center for Quantum Technology in Singapore have laid the cornerstone for significantly higher computing power in the CADSAT project.

The CADSAT cooperation project, which ended on June 30, has developed concepts and components for future quantum-electronic systems. These include electronic systems based on the interaction of light and matter, i.e. superconducting circuits (with an electric resistance of zero) and ultracold atoms. Possible applications range from quantum information processing to the development of quantum sensors.

Smaller systems with higher performance

Compact atom-optic basic systems could be developed in additional pilot projects. These are computer systems that make use of the properties of matter waves of neutral particles such as atoms, molecules and clusters to make significantly higher computing power possible. At present, such systems take up a volume of approx. 10 m3, but on the basis of present technologies system sizes of well under 1 m3 are conceivable.

Figure with size reductionA leader in international research

The co-operation partners have investigated scientific and technological aspects of superconducting atom chips in the relevant operating conditions: in Singapore with high-temperature superconductors and in Tübingen with low-temperature superconductors. Currently the researchers in Singapore and Tübingen are the only ones in the world to have access to combined cold atom/mK cryosystems, with which atoms can be manipulated into mixed cryostates. With this advantage, both groups have achieved a leading position in international research.

 

 

 

Partner facilities

  • Eberhard-Karls-University in Tübingen, Institute for Physics
  • Nanyang Technical University (NTU), Center for Quantum Technologies

The International Bureau handled the financing of the project:

Contact
Maximilian Jedemann
DLR Project Management Agency | European and International Cooperation
Tel: +49 228 3821 1493
Email: Maximilian.Jedemann@dlr.de

Additional project information can be found on the website of the University of Tübingen.