Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology in quantum technology race

An example of such work conducted by WUT researchers is the development of a quantum computer infrastructure prototype at CEZAMAT-WUT as part of the MIKOK project, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development.

Quantum technologies are one of the strategic development directions of the Warsaw University of Technology, and our researchers have been engaged for many years in research and development work on prestigious implementation projects in this field, including international ones. Our experts, including former students of our university, are led by Grzegorz Kasprowicz, PhD, from the team of Prof. Krzysztof Poźniak (Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology – Institute of Electronic Systems). They are engaged in work on the engineering of electronic and control systems with sub-nanosecond time synchronization in SINARA, which is compatible with open hardware and software environments, along with the ARTIQ operating system dedicated to quantum experiments. WUT and CERN have also developed a new real-time control system architecture called DI/OT, based on the industrial Compact PCI Serial standard and modular SINARA hardware. The software-controlled precision techniques developed by researchers open up new possibilities for controlling the quantum states of ions—a critical aspect of harnessing entangled quantum states and ion superposition in quantum computing within the so-called “quantum processor.” The team has already developed over 100 types of specialized control modules, which are currently used in dozens of the world's leading quantum laboratories, including the National Institute of Standards (NIST), the University of Maryland, the University of Oregon, and Duke University in the United States; the University of Oxford and Oxford Ionics in the United Kingdom; the University of Innsbruck and Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT) in Austria; as well as CERN and other prestigious research centers.

Prototype Quantum Computer on the horizon

Thanks to its long-standing technological expertise and international cooperations, Warsaw University of Technology—acting as the leader of the consortium—has launched the groundbreaking MIKOK project to design and build Poland’s first quantum computer infrastructure from the ground up. The work of the WUT team involved in the project not only harnesses the accumulated potential and enables the implementation of proprietary electronic solutions but also paves the way for full control of quantum processes based on laser-cooled calcium ions. Therefore, in addition to experts from WUT’s Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, the team collaborates with leading specialists in ion trapping, including Mariusz Semczuk, PhD, from the University of Warsaw. Quantum computers are a highly desirable technological advancement in fields such as cryptography, pharmaceuticals, and business process optimization. Their potential applications include predicting the structures of new chemical molecules, optimizing complex business operations, and data encryption. Due to their high performance, they significantly outperform the classical supercomputers available today.

The research and development consortium, led by WUT, also includes the Military University of Technology, the Military Institute of Armament Technology, Silesian University of Technology, and the entrepreneur—SONOVERO R&D company. Through collective efforts, an integrated quantum computer infrastructure is being developed, consisting of ultra-precise lasers, optoelectronic systems, electronic systems, computer systems, and specialized software. WUT staff, including Piotr Sobotka, PhD (ENG), from the Faculty of Physics, as well as students and graduates from the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, are also involved in the consortium's tasks. The work has already reached an advanced operational phase, with the next milestone being the demonstration, in this first laboratory infrastructure of its kind in this part of Europe, of laser-cooled ion chains undergoing control and manipulation. These are a crucial component in the construction of quantum gates, enabling the development of quantum algorithms.

"We are proud that our researchers are part of the global group of pioneers in developing breakthrough technologies, including quantum technologies. This is proof that world-class researchers and engineers work at Warsaw University of Technology, whose open-mindedness and vast knowledge make an invaluable contribution to the practical advancement of science and technology. I am also pleased that the work within the MIKOK project, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development, is being carried out in the state-of-the-art infrastructure of our University, at the Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, which enables the implementation of ambitious projects at the highest level – says Prof. Mariusz Malinowski, PhD, Vice-Rector for Research at Warsaw University of Technology.

It's a trap! A few words about trapped ions

Although the name might suggest certain limitations, in the case of ion traps, they are a highly desirable and essential solution when thinking about creating a quantum processor (which serves as the 'heart' of the computer in this analogy). Quantum computing based on ion traps is a promising technology with the potential to revolutionize many fields. Systems based on ion traps are gaining significant interest due to their long coherence times and high precision in controlling quantum processes.

Challenges in developing this technology include, among others, the correlation of the number of qubits (quantum bits), improving their coherence times, and developing new quantum algorithms and software. The practical implementation of algorithms on a quantum computer requires the creation and stable maintenance of qubits, as well as their proper entanglement. The consortium is developing technologies for quantum computers based on "blade" Ca40 ion traps with up to 100 ions, supported by integrated optical, control, and readout systems. They are advancing a complete "quantum stack," an integrated set of hardware and software components that will enable the full utilization of quantum computers' potential. The team is also focused on integrating hardware and software, including integrated circuits for the next generation of quantum processors and compilers for quantum experiments. While some components, such as lasers, are purchased from foreign suppliers, key elements—such as control electronics and software for optimizing quantum computations—are the result of the MIKOK team's efforts and are developed exclusively in Poland.

Photo.: DKWOC

“The fast electronics developed by us for over a decade are among the best in the world and are at the heart of our infrastructure. They are successfully used by leading teams worldwide in work on the construction of quantum computers, atomic clocks, and sensors. The infrastructure we are developing is being equipped with the latest version of these electronic systems – emphasizes Prof. Jan Szmidt from the Warsaw University of Technology, Project Leader of MIKOK. – At the same time, the MIKOK project is fostering technological sovereignty through the development of domestic competencies and a team of specialists in quantum technologies.”

 ”The development of quantum technologies in Poland is crucial for accelerating the national transformation and increasing competitiveness in modern technologies. Thanks to pioneering projects involving researchers from the Warsaw University of Technology, Poland has a real opportunity to become a hub of innovation in building high-quality infrastructure and software for quantum technologies” – emphasizes Zbigniew Wawrzyniak, PhD from the Warsaw University of Technology, MIKOK Project Leader. – “It will benefit the entire scientific community, whose research and implementations are largely dependent on access to unique technological infrastructure. This will not only support the development of quantum computers but also quantum sensors, and even enable fundamental research that previously could not be conducted in Poland.”