Quantum Technology Capital: An extensible simulation and test platform for quantum and quantum enabled technologies

Quantum technologies require complex control systems and packaging to ensure that the quantum effects that they use are not corrupted by their environment or external disturbances such as magnetic fields. At present most approaches to packaging these systems are developed by building a prototype and measuring its performance. This is a time consuming and costly exercise, and it leads to a wide range of different approaches to solving the same problem.

Complex simulation tools, which allow a 'virtual' prototype of the control and packaging to be created are beginning to be applied to these systems. The aim of this proposal is to build on this, and develop standard methods that allow detailed simulation of a wide range of quantum technologies. These models and methods will be evaluated by using a test platform to measure the performance of the 'real' hardware against the simulated prototype. This will allow us to rapidly refine the modelling and build a knowledge base of approaches to this type of problem. Finally we will test the subsystems more fully hardware in the loop approach methods to evaluate the real hardware operation within a larger system simulation.

Our approach will be to focus on Ion-trap technologies initially, and then apply these approaches to molecular devices and microwave to optical conversion devices. A successful programme will lead to the development of design and testing methods that will accelerate the development of a range of quantum technologies

The test and simulation methodologies developed and the quantum technologies undergoing testing during this project will benefit a wide range of sectors; from increasing the skills base of the UKs quantum engineers to providing new products and services that will ultimately benefit end-users and consumers.

The next generation of quantum engineers
We will offer the facility for use by other hubs and industry, with training provided in the simulation and testing techniques developed. By training quantum science postgraduate students and PDRAs in device simulation and testing they will gain an understanding of the engineering work required to develop quantum technologies towards market relevance, enhancing the UK skills base in quantum engineering.

Companies developing test equipment
By developing novel methodologies for the test and simulation of quantum technologies and their systems, new market opportunities will open for the manufacturers of the test equipment used. This will lead to economic benefits for these companies and improved test equipment to fit the needs of those designing and manufacturing quantum technologies.

Companies developing quantum technologies
The manufacturers of quantum technologies for end users will benefit from standardised testing methodologies, leading to faster development time for new products and improved reliability and manufacturability of existing technologies.

The quantum technologies that will use the testing equipment as part of this bid will be advanced closer to market, providing wide ranging benefits to manufacturers by opening up new market opportunities and enabling the development of novel devices.

End users of quantum technologies
Those applying quantum technologies to applications will benefit from the development of novel devices and improved underpinning technologies. Sectors that will benefit include:

- Telecommunications (particularly secure communication technologies)
- Computing
- Information engineering
- Sensors and metrology
- Defence