Quantum Dot Circuit Layout With Same-Side Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of quantum electronic circuits with 3D architecture faces challenges such as defects at interfaces and alignment issues between electrode networks, which affect the coupling of quantum dots and variability in circuit performance.

Innovation Solution

A quantum electronic circuit design where both electrode networks are formed on the same side of the semiconductor layer, eliminating the need for substrate turning and bonding, and ensuring precise alignment, comprising semiconductor pillars, dielectric layers, and conductive electrodes that modulate electrostatic potential for qubit manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If substrate turning and bonding is used to form two electrode networks on opposite sides of the semiconductor layer, then 3D architecture with high qubit density is achieved, but interface defects and alignment problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequbit densityVSAvoidinterface defects
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar 2D architecture to a 3D architecture by stacking electrode networks and semiconductor layers vertically. Multiple electrode networks are formed on opposite sides of the semiconductor layer, creating a three-dimensional structure that increases qubit density while maintaining electrical connectivity through vertical vias.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit is divided into multiple independent electrode networks formed on different sides of the semiconductor layer. Each electrode network can be independently fabricated and controlled, allowing separate optimization of control electrodes and coupling electrodes while maintaining high integration density through vertical stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If substrate turning and bonding is used to form two electrode networks on opposite sides of the semiconductor layer, then 3D architecture with high qubit density is achieved, but alignment variability between electrode arrays increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequbit densityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment markers are formed on the semiconductor layer before substrate turning and bonding. These markers serve as reference points that guide the precise re-alignment of the substrate after flipping, ensuring that the second electrode network aligns correctly with the quantum dots and first electrode network, thereby minimizing alignment variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If individually controlled circuits with high via density are used, then qubit manipulation capability is improved, but electrical architecture complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequbit manipulation capabilityVSAvoidelectrical architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode networks are segmented into distinct functional groups: control electrodes on one side for qubit manipulation and coupling electrodes on the other side for inter-qubit interactions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each network's complexity while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By moving coupling electrodes to the opposite side of the semiconductor layer, the patent reduces the density of vias and interconnections in the main processing plane. The coupling electrodes access quantum dots through vertical coupling paths, simplifying the horizontal electrical architecture while maintaining individual qubit manipulation capability through control electrodes.

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

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

This design reduces variability and defects, enabling high-density qubit integration with improved coupling and control, facilitating efficient quantum operations without the complexities of traditional 3D architecture manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

The control of tunnel couplings imposes an architecture of interconnected quantum dots... each coupling line being in contact with the flank dielectric of at least one of the semiconductor pillars... each coupling column being in contact with the sidewall dielectric of at least one of the semiconductor pillars

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic potential modulation: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

the coupling operation is carried out by controlling a tunnel coupling between quantum dots containing the qubits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTunnel coupling:

Implementation Method 3

dielectric layers called 'flank dielectrics', each flank dielectric surrounding the flank of one of the semiconductor pillars; a dielectric layer called a 'spacer' extending in contact with the front face of the qubit layer and surrounding the base of each semiconductor pillar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric isolation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP4435867A1Quantum electronic circuit and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP4435867A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4435867A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4435867A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to an electronic circuit (1) comprising: - a semiconductor layer (2), called the "qubit layer"; - semiconductor pillars (3), spaced apart, extending perpendicularly from and integral with the qubit layer (2) to the front face (2a) of the qubit layer (2); - a separation layer (42) extending in contact with the qubit layer (2); - first conductive electrodes (61), called "coupling lines", extending parallel to the qubit layer (2); - second conductive electrodes (62), called "coupling columns", extending parallel to the qubit layer (2); - third conductive electrodes (71), called "control lines", extending over the spacer (42);and - conducting vias (72), called "control vias", extending perpendicularly to the qubit layer face (2) from the spacer (42) and having one end disposed near the qubit layer (2), - the third conducting electrodes (62) and the conducting vias (72) being configured to modulate the electrostatic potential at the level of the qubit layer and form quantum dots in the qubit layer.