Towards A Product Development Hand book for Ultra-Low Temperature Hardware in Quantum Computers: Investigating Stakeholder Needs, Materials, and Simulation Processes for MilliKelvin Quantum Computing Hardware

Abstract

The development of the quantum computing industry has received significant atten tion and investment in recent years, providing an opportunity for the industry and its stakeholders to develop new solutions. The quantum bits used for computation in quantum computers are extremely sensitive to external noise and interference. Therefore, the quantum bits are placed in a cryogenic refrigerator, which uses pro tective shields to remove external noise such as radiation, with high levels of vacuum and ultra-low temperatures to eliminate as much interference as possible from ambi ent noise and thermal fluctuations. The extreme conditions place high demands on the hardware used in quantum computers, both to withstand ultra-low temperatures and to minimise interference with the quantum bits. The project was carried out in collaboration with SCALINQ AB and the aim of the project was to investigate the current state of the art and its challenges in the development of ultra-low temperature quantum computing hardware. The aim was also to create the basis for a product development handbook, that includes the specific needs and wishes of stakeholders, different materials and simulation techniques. Through a literature review of stakeholders, the primary stakeholders were identified as quantum hardware manufacturers, research institutions, customers and users, such as the operating researchers, as they have the most influence on the hardware used in the quantum computer. The primary stakeholders were interviewed to gather information about their needs for the hardware, and a complementary literature re view was carried out to identify the needs of various stakeholders. The stakeholder needs were then translated into a comprehensive list of requirements. A materials study was also carried out to find materials with properties such as non-magnetic, high thermal conductivity and operating temperature of 10 milliKelvin. The mate rials study resulted in 21 materials proposed for further analysis as no material data was found at 10 milliKelvin. Finally, simulations were carried out to investigate the capability of the Ansys software to simulate temperatures in the milliKelvin range. The simulations showed promise as a development and evaluation tool, but the conclusion was that further investigation and verification by physical testing were required.