This project aims to develop core components of a fermionic quantum computer, a new architecture designed to efficiently simulate complex electronic systems that are intractable for classical computers and challenging for qubit-based quantum processors. Instead of encoding fermionic statistics in software, this approach uses ultracold fermionic atoms (e.g., lithium-6) in optical lattices to natively implement electron-like behaviour.
Key aspects:
- Research focus: Controlled motion and entanglement of fermionic atoms for digital quantum gates.
- Techniques:
- Laser cooling to nanokelvin temperatures.
- Design of optical lattices, including deep lattices for atom pinning and bichromatic superlattices for double-well gate units.
- Single-atom resolved imaging and optimal control of tunnelling dynamics.
- Impact: Overcomes scalability bottlenecks in quantum simulation of electronic systems, enabling high-fidelity quantum logic with >99.7% gate fidelity demonstrated in initial tests.
- Environment: Part of the EQOP group at Strathclyde, with strong international collaborations and access to advanced quantum optics facilities.