Donor-Quantum Dot Coupling for Scalable Quantum Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current scalable quantum computer architectures face limitations in coupling donor qubits, particularly with nearest neighbor coupling, which restricts the implementation of two and multiqubit logic operations, and require coherent shuttling of electrons between donors for longer range coupling options.

Innovation Solution

A quantum computer architecture that couples donor nuclear spins via donor electron spins to quantum dots, enabling further coupling to high Q resonators and allowing for cluster state quantum computing without the need for donor ionization and recombination, using a substrate with buried oxide, semiconductor layers, and gate-controlled quantum dots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If nearest neighbor coupling is used for donor qubits, then fabrication simplicity is improved, but coupling range and multiqubit logic capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication simplicityVSAvoidcoupling range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces quantum dots as intermediary structures between donor qubits. The quantum dot electron acts as a mediator that couples to multiple donor electrons through exchange interaction, enabling long-range coupling between donor qubits without requiring direct donor-donor proximity. This intermediary mechanism overcomes the limitation of nearest-neighbor coupling while maintaining fabrication simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional nearest-neighbor coupling to three-dimensional coupling by introducing vertically stacked quantum dots above donor qubits. This dimensional extension allows coupling between donors that are not adjacent in the lateral plane, enabling long-range interactions through the vertical dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If coherent shuttling of electrons between donors is implemented for long range coupling, then coupling range is improved, but system complexity and coherence requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling rangeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quantum dot serves as a stationary intermediary that eliminates the need for dynamic electron shuttling. Instead of moving electrons between donors, the quantum dot electron remains localized and mediates coupling through exchange interaction, significantly reducing system complexity and coherence requirements during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the quantum dot mediate coupling rather than directly shuttling electrons between donors. This inversion transforms a dynamic transport problem into a static exchange interaction problem, simplifying the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If donor ionization and recombination is used for quantum information transfer, then quantum communication capability is improved, but coherence maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum communication capabilityVSAvoidcoherence maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The quantum dot electron acts as an intermediary that enables quantum information transfer without requiring donor ionization and recombination cycles. The exchange interaction with the quantum dot provides a coherent pathway for quantum information transfer that maintains donor electron coherence throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient quantum information transfer and implementation of cluster state quantum computing, improving coherence and reducing the need for complex ionization and recombination processes, while maintaining high control over quantum memory and communication channels.

Implementation Method 1

Electrostatic gates facilitate transfer of quantum information from nuclear to electron spins and between electron spins, by modulating the contact hyperfine interaction (A-gates)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHyperfine interaction:

Implementation Method 2

Electrostatic gates facilitate transfer of quantum information from nuclear to electron spins and between electron spins, by modulating the contact hyperfine interaction (A-gates), and the Heisenberg exchange coupling (J-gates), respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeisenberg exchange coupling:

Implementation Method 3

Electrostatic gates facilitate transfer of quantum information from nuclear to electron spins and between electron spins, by modulating the contact hyperfine interaction (A-gates), and the Heisenberg exchange coupling (J-gates), respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic modulation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS8816325B2Scalable quantum computer architecture with coupled donor-quantum dot qubits
Publication Date: 2014.08.26 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA
  • US8816325B2 patent drawing
  • US8816325B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A quantum bit computing architecture includes a plurality of single spin memory donor atoms embedded in a semiconductor layer, a plurality of quantum dots arranged with the semiconductor layer and aligned with the donor atoms, wherein a first voltage applied across at least one pair of the aligned quantum dot and donor atom controls a donor-quantum dot coupling. A method of performing quantum computing in a scalable architecture quantum computing apparatus includes arranging a pattern of single spin memory donor atoms in a semiconductor layer, forming a plurality of quantum dots arranged with the semiconductor layer and aligned with the donor atoms, applying a first voltage across at least one aligned pair of a quantum dot and donor atom to control a donor-quantum dot coupling, and applying a second voltage between one or more quantum dots to control a Heisenberg exchange J coupling between quantum dots and to cause transport of a single spin polarized electron between quantum dots.