HRL Laboratories Unveils spinQICK: An Open-Source Solution to Advance Semiconductor Spin-Qubit Control
HRL Laboratories has introduced spinQICK, an open-source extension to the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK), designed to control electrostatically confined semiconductor spin-qubits. This innovative solution offers a cost-effective and high-performance method for leveraging affordable field-programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware alongside spinQICK’s firmware and software to manage spin-qubits with precision. By making this tool freely available, HRL aims to accelerate advancements in quantum computing research, foster collaboration across academia and industry, and democratize access to cutting-edge quantum technologies.
Bridging the Gap Between Cost and Performance
One of the standout features of spinQICK is its ability to deliver exceptional performance without the steep price tag associated with custom or commercial quantum control systems. The hardware compatible with spinQICK—off-the-shelf Xilinx Radio Frequency System-on-Chip (RFSoC) FPGAs—is significantly more affordable than alternative solutions, yet it does not compromise on functionality or reliability. This affordability removes financial barriers, enabling faster adoption of standardized measurement and control methods for electrostatically confined spin-qubits.
“By creating a cost-effective solution for academic and industry partners, HRL is helping to advance the quantum computing industry and spin qubit community,” said Andrew Oriani, a spinQICK Principal Investigator at HRL.
Abbie Wessels, another spinQICK Principal Investigator and Lead Developer at HRL, expanded on this vision: “As leaders in quantum science and engineering, we believe that making tools like spinQICK freely available will accelerate scientific progress and push the boundaries of what’s possible in spin qubit research.”
Building on QICK’s Foundation
The spinQICK package builds upon the QICK API, an open-source toolkit originally developed by Fermilab, America’s premier particle physics and accelerator laboratory. Fermilab, which plays a pivotal role in quantum science through initiatives like the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center and the Quantum Science Center, has been instrumental in advancing quantum networks and controls, including cryoelectronics.
HRL’s spinQICK extends the standard QICK API with low-level functionalities tailored specifically for spin-qubit systems. This customization enables researchers to implement advanced techniques for controlling single-spin (Loss-DiVincenzo) qubits, such as charge-stability tuning, initialization, parity readout, coherent control, and characterization of key properties like T1, T2*, T2-Echo, Ramsey, and All-XY protocols. Additionally, spinQICK supports exchange calibration and two-qubit gate operations, empowering users to explore complex quantum phenomena with ease.
Gustavo Cancelo, leader of QICK development at Fermilab, praised HRL’s contribution: “SpinQICK is a great example of how open-source systems such as QICK grow across boundaries, including national labs, academia, and industry. We are very impressed with the work done by HRL.”
Enabling Workforce Development and Quantum Outreach
Beyond its technical capabilities, spinQICK plays a vital role in workforce development and quantum outreach. By providing an accessible platform for research labs and educational institutions, HRL is fostering engagement within the semiconductor quantum computing community. The tool’s user-friendly design, complete with features for parameter management, plotting, and demonstrations, ensures that newcomers can quickly get up to speed and contribute to groundbreaking research.
To further promote accessibility, HRL is collaborating with academic institutions to bring spinQICK into classrooms and research projects. One notable partnership is with Harvey Mudd College, where HRL sponsored a clinic team to integrate spinQICK with custom analog control hardware. The students recently showcased their end-of-year project at HRL, demonstrating the seamless integration of spinQICK into experimental setups.
This initiative underscores HRL’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers while promoting widespread adoption of quantum technologies.
Key Features of spinQICK
spinQICK offers several key features that make it an invaluable resource for researchers and educators:
- Support for Affordable FPGA Hardware:
spinQICK is compatible with low-cost, off-the-shelf Xilinx RFSoC FPGAs, allowing users to rapidly develop application-specific experimental hardware and software for spin-qubit control. - Comprehensive Spin-Qubit Control Methods:
The tool supports a wide range of techniques, including charge-stability tuning, initialization, parity readout, single-spin coherent control, and characterization of essential properties such as T1, T2*, T2-Echo, Ramsey, and All-XY protocols. It also facilitates exchange calibration and two-qubit gate operations. - User-Friendly Features:
spinQICK includes tools for parameter management, plotting, and demonstrations, helping users—especially those new to the field—get started quickly and efficiently. - Open-Source Accessibility:
By releasing spinQICK as an open-source solution, HRL ensures that researchers worldwide can access, modify, and build upon the platform, fostering innovation and collaboration across the quantum community.
Driving Innovation Across Boundaries
The development of spinQICK exemplifies the power of cross-sector collaboration in advancing quantum science. By combining expertise from national labs, academia, and industry, HRL has created a versatile and impactful tool that addresses real-world challenges in quantum computing.
As quantum technologies continue to evolve, tools like spinQICK will play a critical role in lowering barriers to entry, accelerating research, and driving breakthroughs in semiconductor spin-qubit systems. With its affordability, performance, and accessibility, spinQICK is poised to become a cornerstone of the quantum computing ecosystem, empowering researchers and educators to unlock the full potential of spin-qubit research.
A Bright Future for Quantum Computing
HRL’s introduction of spinQICK marks a significant step forward in the quest to make quantum computing more accessible and scalable. By providing a cost-effective, open-source solution for controlling spin-qubits, HRL is not only advancing the state of the art but also fostering a more inclusive and collaborative quantum community. As spinQICK continues to gain traction among researchers and educators, its impact on the field of quantum computing is likely to be profound, paving the way for new discoveries and innovations in the years to come.
