Positioning Ireland for the quantum opportunity - Position paper - Tyndall ...
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Position paper Positioning Ireland for the quantum opportunity
Positioning Ireland for the quantum opportunity
Positioning Ireland for the
quantum opportunity
Executive summary materials and nanostructures and their we a n d o u r p a r t n e rs s e e t h e
translation into disruptive devices for opportunity to:
At Tyndall National Institute, we Quantum Technologies. This activity is
are investing in growth areas where complemented by University College • Establish Quantum Technologies
Quantum Technologies feature Cork’s recent appointment of leading as a key driver in Ireland's
prominently. The fundamentals of quantum physicist, Prof. Séamus Davis. innovation strategy
quantum science offer solutions G i v e n t h i s o p p o r t u n i t y, w e • Develop Quantum Technology
to challenging problems using want to work with national and hardware utilising Ireland’s
novel engineering solutions. They global stakeholders to embark strengths, for example in
offer uncharted fertile territory on a programme for Quantum photonics and nano-electronics
for innovation that has sparked an Technologies. Ireland is in a unique • Establish infrastructure for
international arms race to attain position to become internationally Quantum Technologies, for
quantum advantage. competitive and attractive, thanks to example, a National Quantum
At Tyndall, we have pioneered Irish long-term investments in materials Institute
efforts in the field, specifically on and engineering science for digital • Invest in educating quantum
the actual realisation of Quantum technologies and the strong footprint scientists and engineers.
Technologies. Tyndall's strategy is of technology giants with significant
to foster the development of new investments in the field. To prepare
programmes around novel quantum Ireland for the quantum opportunity,
3Tyndall National Institute State-of-play on Quantum Technologies Quantum mechanics is more than particles but also that there is mutual would allow outperformance of one hundred years old. Its fundamental dependence (so-called entanglement) classical computers in problems equations were established in the which appears to violate causality. In of increased complexity, guarantee early twentieth century and have simple terms, the rules of quantum secure communication and achieve developed to yield quantitative physics state that an unobserved the highest possible sensitivities in predictions of our physical world particle exists in all possible states sensor technologies.1 with incredible precision. Modern simultaneously but, when observed The growing realisation of the era technology has been built on our or measured, exhibits only one state. emerging opportunities has already understanding of quantum effects: When two particles are prepared in kick-started an international race to semiconductors, transistors, lasers, such a superposition (entangled) state, turn the recent excellent achievements organic chemistry, magnetic resonance, they remain connected; therefore, of quantum science into a national etc. However, quantum mechanics is observing the state of one immediately competitive advantage in Quantum full of oddities and surprises. One affects the other, even when separated Technologies. 2 Countries such as can simply understand and exploit by great distances. This is what Albert the United States of America (USA), most of quantum mechanics by Einstein called “spooky action at a the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, thinking of particles as waves. But the distance.” the Netherlands, Australia, Japan, underlying concepts are so unfamiliar A s a n i n c re a s i n g n u m b e r o f Singapore and Canada have been to humankind that we have barely experiments have been devised to test heavily investing in strong Quantum scratched the surface. such oddities, the new discoveries are Technology research programmes A fundamental turning point occurred allowing us to embark on a second amounting to several billions. China has in 1964 when John Bell, a Northern quantum technological revolution also commenced in this direction with Irish physicist, discovered what is now and exploit the laws of quantum huge strides, including a strong space known as Bell’s inequalities. Bell’s set mechanics to increase performance programme for secure quantum-based of equations definitively prove not only in computation, communication communications.3,4 China dominates the full wave nature of fundamental and sensing. Quantum advantage the field of quantum communication, 1 European Commission Quantum Technologies Flagship (2016) Quantum Technologies Roadmap. Available online from: https://qt.eu/app/uploads/2018/04/QT-Roadmap-2016. pdf 2 European Commission (2016) Quantum Technologies: Implications for European Policy. Issues for Debate. Brussels: European Union. Available online from: http://publica- tions.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC101632/lbna28103enn.pdf 3 Hsu J (2019) The race to develop the world’s best quantum tech. IEEE Spectrum, 9 January. Available online from: https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/computing/hardware/ race-for-the-quantum-prize-rises-to-national-priority 4 Wallace N (2018) EU runs to catch up as governments pledge more cash for quantum computing, Science|Business, 8 November. Available online from: https://sciencebusi- ness.net/news/eu-runs-catch-governments-pledge-more-cash-quantum-computing 4
Positioning Ireland for the quantum opportunity
whereas US f irms lead in the topics for IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel next generation Information and
development of quantum computation. and other technology giants. Quantum Communication Technologies (ICTs) will
To ensure strategic and economic computers promise to considerably demand scientific and technological
sovereignty, the European Union (EU) speed up solutions to a number of paradigm shifts. Radical advances will
has responded by committing to invest computational tasks, realising the require new concepts to be invented,
in excess of €1bn over the next 10 only known model that could offer new materials and their fundamental
years to support a variety of Quantum exponentially faster computing over properties to be understood, and new
Technology platforms.5 The wealth of today’s conventional processors. fundamental principles to be explored.9
business opportunities existing in Besides, we are at a pivotal
quantum computing, cryptography, time where traditional scaling, as
communication, simulation and sensing encompassed by Moore’s Law, is
has also triggered investments from coming to an end.6,7,8 While the amount
major private companies. Quantum of data to be handled and analysed
Technologies are now major research is constantly exponentially growing,
5 European Commission (2018) Quantum Technologies Flagship (October 2018). Available online from: https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/quantum-technologies
6 Tyler, N. (2016) Is the semiconductor industry entering a new phase when it comes to scaling? Newelectronics, 28 June. Available online from: http://www.newelectronics.
co.uk/electronics-technology/is-the-semiconductor-industry-entering-a-new-phase-when-it-comes-to-scaling/142714/
7 DARPA News (2017) Beyond scaling: An electronics resurgence initiative. Power Electronics, 9 June. Available online from: https://www.powerelectronics.com/power-electron-
ics-systems/beyond-scaling-electronics-resurgence-initiative
8 Merritt, R. (2017) Roadmap says CMOS ends ~2024, EE|Times, 23 March. Available online from: https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1331517#
9 Ahopelto, J., Ardila, G., Baldi, L., Balestra, F., Belot, D., Fagas, G., et al. (2019) NanoElectronics roadmap for Europe: From nanodevices and innovative materials to system inte-
gration. Solid-State Electronics, 155: 7–9. Available online from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sse.2019.03.014
5Tyndall National Institute Irish context Despite the growing significance and its technological applications, these may apply to computation. of Q u a nt u m Te chn ologi es and will ensure future ICT innovations All seven constituent universities their importance for international and add to the success of Project of Ireland have research groups competitiveness, Ireland lags Ireland 2040. Besides the commercial which are either directly involved in considerably behind leader and potential of the sector itself, there research in Quantum Technologies follower countries alike. are significant gains to be earned by or their research has the potential to However, the Irish Government applying Quantum Technologies in converge with Quantum Technologies does recognise the impact of Ireland’s foremost industries. Examples in the foreseeable future. For example, digitalisation and has re-emphasised include digital (machine learning, quantum computation theory is their commitment to embracing ICT artificial intelligence, cybersecurity); strongly represented at Maynooth innovation and technological change pharmaceutical (drug design); finance University, with complementary under Pillar one of the recently (pricing, risk optimisation); industrial research emerging at Trinity College published policy Future Jobs Ireland goods and energy (materials chemistry, Dublin and National University 2019. Given the potential impact compound selection); manufacturing of Ireland Galway. Moreover, an Quantum Technologies will have on (highly AI-efficient processes). Not ambitious effort has recently been the ICT sector, in which Ireland already investing now in such a disruptive undertaken at University College holds a strong position, establishing technology and complementary skills Dublin to address issues from the a quantum ecosystem in Ireland will will result in Ireland missing the electronic engineering perspective. represent a great opportunity. window of opportunity in order to Second, most of the key technology In Technology Skills 2022, co-signed utilise the current baseline to attract firms which have been investing in by the Department of Education and stimulate substantial business quantum technologies have a strong and Skills (DES), there is significant growth. Irish footprint. Notably, IBM, which emphasis on high-level ICT skills, The underlying quantum research and has been running one of the most such as computing and electrical and enterprise community, given the right comprehensive quantum computing electronic engineering skillsets. This is conditions, can gain momentum and programmes, is conducting research in recognisably instrumental in delivering thrive internationally as an attractor Ireland on the applications of quantum in the short term on the high industry for investment and growth. First, there algorithms for optimisation, executed demand for skills in the design, is a growing number of high-profile on quantum computing hardware and building and maintenance of ICT experimental outputs complementing simulators, over the cloud.10 systems. A new generation of scientists theoretical studies of academic groups and engineers, with substantial around Ireland on the fundamentals knowledge in both quantum mechanics of quantum mechanics and how 10 See for example Simonetta, A., Mareček, J., and Mevissen, M. (? Year) Qiskit Aqua: Vehicle routing. GitHub. Available online from: https://github.com/Qiskit/qiskit tutorials/ blob/master/qiskit/optimization/vehicle_routing.ipynb; Simonetta, A., Mareček, J., and Mevissen, M. (? Year) Qiskit Finance: Portfolio diversification. GitHub. Available online from: https://github.com/Qiskit/qiskit-tutorials/blob/master/qiskit/finance/optimization/portfolio_diversification.ipynb 6
Positioning Ireland for the quantum opportunity
Tyndall position
At Tyndall, we have pioneered Irish solid-state quantum computation and Research Area Network (QuantERA).
efforts in the field, specifically on 12
communication. Among the particles Tyndall is also very active in European
the actual realisation of Quantum investigated to date for quantum forums, coordinating the Quantum in
Technologies. Quantum cryptography information technologies, photons Space network and contributing to
for secure communications and are the least prone to decoherence the Strategic Research Agenda of the
sources of quantum light for quantum due to weak interaction with their Quantum Technology Flagship.
information (quantum internet and environment. In the context of our ambition and
quantum computation) have been at The Tyndall nanostructures represent growth, we are committed to fostering
the core of our work. Our photonics a deterministic source of on-demand the development of new programmes
research centre is led by a founder non-classical light, a fundamental on novel quantum materials and
of the field of experimental Quantum pre-requisite for any optical quantum nanostructures and their translation
Key Distribution (QKD) , our research
11
information protocol. Quite remarkably, into disruptive devices for Quantum
teams have been investing in quantum sources based on quantum dots do Technologies. We have recently
materials and quantum-effect devices not have any fundamental physical launched a CMOS++ programme to
for over 15 years, and this activity is limitation in their potential to deliver enable Deep Tech innovation for
finally paying off. 12
quantum signals deterministically and the next generation of computing
An optical quantum platform, based on-demand. In addition, Tyndall and technologies by bringing together
on site-controlled III-V quantum dots, Cork Institute of Technology researchers frontier research in:
has been uniquely developed by our are exploiting their expertise in
Epitaxy and Physics of Nanostructures quantum modelling and integration of • Modelling
Group. This platform has demonstrated nanophotonics to deliver single photon • Metrology and characterisation
the only site-controlled quantum sources for quantum cryptography • Materials processing
dot system capable of high-fidelity as core partners in CUSPIDOR, 13 the • Device fabrication.
entangled light emission, making it a sole project with Irish participation
most promising scalable platform for funded under the Quantum European
Site controlled quantum dot based Selective injection mechanism into QLEDs:
quantum light emitters (QLEDs). electrons and holes run through the
self-assembled nanowire structure in
the middle of the pyramidal ensemble.
11 See for example C. Marad and PD Towsend (1995) Quantum key distribution over distances as long as 30km. Optics Letters, 20, 1695-1697.
12 See for example Juska, G., Dimastrodonato, V., Mereni, L.O., Gocalinska, A. and Pelucchi, E. (2013) Towards quantum-dot arrays of entangled photon emitters. Nature Photonics,
7: 527–31; Chung, T.H., Juska, G., Moroni, S.T., Pescaglini, A., Gocalinska, A. and Pelucchi, E. (2016) Selective carrier injection into patterned arrays of pyramidal quantum dots for
entangled photon light-emitting diodes. Nature Photonics, 10: 782–87.
13 Compatible Single Photon Sources based on SiGe Quantum Dots (www.cuspidor-quantera.eu)
7Tyndall National Institute
One of the key deliverables of the FlexiFab at Tyndall to complement Our strength will be enhanced by
programme is to demonstrate quantum the infrastructure that had been in partnering with distinguished quantum
advantage using solid-state platforms place since 2004. Further investment is physicist Prof. Séamus Davis, who will
that are Complementary Metal–Oxide– foreseen under the Irish Government’s lead a pioneering research programme
Semiconductor (CMOS) compatible. National Development Plan (NDP) on direct, atomic-scale visualisation of
As Ireland’s flagship ICT hardware 2018–2027, which includes an objective electronic states in quantum materials.
research infrastructure, Tyndall is to upgrade and expand Tyndall in
in a unique position to realise such response to evolving ICT-related
quantum platforms and engage with technology opportunities and also to
industry to accelerate innovation strengthen our successful industry
path-finding as a first step towards engagement model.
commercialisation. We operate a A s p a r t o f t h e N D P Ty n d a l l
number of cleanrooms with fabrication development, we are planning to
lines in nanoelectronics, compound support our CMOS++ programme
semiconductors, and Micro-Electronic- with specialised cryo-magneto-probe
Mechanical Systems (MEMS). These are infrastructure that will provide the
fully supported by on-site expertise world’s first electronic and optical
with an extensive suite of equipment characterisation suite for quantum
on test, characterisation and packaging materials and devices. At the end of
(photonic and electronic). this implementation phase, we will be
In the period 2006–2010, the Irish in the distinct position to build our own
Government, through its Programme on-chip quantum computing platform
for Research in Third-Level Institutions, and address a range of important
invested in the development of issues in solid-state qubit technologies.
Visualisation of quantum state in a
defect engineered quantum dot.
8Positioning Ireland for the quantum opportunity
Actions to succeed
Demonstrating technologies where develop on-chip quantum computers; Commit infrastructure for
quantum mechanics yields an establish infrastructure for quantum Quantum Technologies
advantage is the holy grail for the next technologies; and invest in educating
generation of physicists and engineers. quantum scientists and engineers. Following Tyndall's initial investment,
This idea is also widely acknowledged acquire the necessary equipment and
by established top-tech players and Establish Quantum build dedicated facilities to support the
newly formed companies in Ireland. Technologies as a key establishment of a National Quantum
At Tyndall, we recognise that there are driver in Ireland's Institute (e.g., using the organisational
demanding scientific and technological innovation strategy structure of an SFI research centre or
challenges to be overcome, and short- equivalent). Embedding in an already
term expectations are idealistic. Intensify support for fundamental established institute will allow existing
Nevertheless, the progress in the past research and disruptive technologies infrastructure to be utilised and ensure
20 years has been truly exceptional, delivering quantum advantage, in the development of a decision centre
and Quantum Technologies have alignment with Ireland’s ambitious with national remit and authority to
already moved beyond the academic goals in increasing investment in represent the Irish quantum research
environment and into the real world. Research, Development and Innovation and industry community in Europe
For example: (RD&I) and promoting strong links and globally.
• Quantum cryptographic systems between industry and the research
are commercially available. community. Such an endorsement Invest in educating quantum
• Magnetic sensors based on would create momentum within the scientists and engineers
diamond Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Irish quantum community.
centres are in an advanced Prioritise the establishment of a
development state for biomedical Develop on-chip national postgraduate school on
applications. quantum computers quantum science and engineering and
• Atomic traps to map the use funding opportunities available
Earth’s gravitational field non- Designs based on solid-state (e.g. DES Human Capital Iniative; SFI
uniformities, or more profitably nanostructures and advanced CRT Programme).
discover new oil fields, have been materials are most promising, as N o p o s t g ra d u a t e p r o g ra m m e
tested. they are scalable and would be dedicated to Quantum Science and
One of our key objectives is to easier to integrate with conventional Technology currently exists to prepare
strengthen the link with industry semiconductor technologies. Ireland’s the next generation of scientists and
to nurture the growth of Quantum strengths in nanoelecronics and engineers to develop and exploit the
Technologies through translating quantum materials can be utilised to counterintuitive results of quantum
science to innovation and attracting drive CMOS-based quantum computing research either in academia or
talent with quantum expertise to Ireland. architectures. Ireland is in a unique industrial settings. The famous
This effort requires a coordinated and position to leverage existing expertise physicist Richard Feynman once said
synergetic engagement nationally with and mobilise the currently forming ‘if you think you understand quantum
actions supported by all stakeholders critical mass to become world pioneers mechanics then you don't understand
including research partners, industry, through building the first quantum quantum mechanics’.
application end-users, the Government computer on an optical quantum
and its agencies. platform, thereby fostering enterprise
At Tyndall, we are prepared to lead growth.
and work with all parties to establish
Quantum Technologies as a key driver
in Ireland's next innovation strategy;
9Tyndall National Institute About Tyndall Tyndall National Institute is a leading MEMS and III-V wafer semiconductor industry-led research centres, including European research centre in integrated fabrication facilities and services in IPIC (Irish Photonic Integration Centre); ICT hardware and systems. Central to Ireland, we are capable of creating CONNECT (Research Centre for Future our mission is delivering economic opportunities and prototyping new Networks and Communications); impact through research excellence. products for our target industries. and MCCI (Microelectronic Circuits We work with industry and academia to In recent years, we have received Centre Ireland). These centres fully transform research into products in our international recognition for designing, encompass the mission of the core market areas of communications, miniaturising and prototyping products Institute, that is of representing a agri-tech, energy, environment, and to drive connectivity. Our researchers critical link between academia and health. have won numerous awards for their industry, in order to expedite the As the national institute for micro/ ground-breaking research on new development of new technologies nanoelectronics and photonics, and materials, devices and systems across and their market exploitation. The a research flagship of University micro/nanoelectronics and photonics, Tyndall community are important College Cork, we employ more than including in the areas of ICT for Health, actors at European level, with key 500 researchers, engineers and support Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (AR/ representation at high-level groups, staff, with a cohort of 120 full-time VR), wearables and the Internet of scientific councils and European postgraduate students. Together Things (IoT). technology platforms. We have been we generate more than 300 peer- We are also a lead partner in contributing to the development reviewed publications annually. With European research programmes in and implementation of the strategic a network of 200 industry partners and electronics and photonics and their agendas of ESTHER (Emerging and customers worldwide, we generate 85% integration into smart systems with Strategic Technologies for Healthcare), of our €40m income each year from applications in communications, agri- AIOTI (Alliance for Internet of Things competitively won contracts. tech, energy, environment and health. Innovation), AENEAS (Association for We are home to a high-tech national In Horizon 2020, we have delivered European NanoElectronics Activities), research infrastructure unique in value to European research in 79 EPoSS (European Platform on Smart Ireland and is a national research projects thus far (12 as coordinator). Systems Integration ) and Photonics21. asset. Hosting the only full CMOS, At Tyndall, we host a number of Cleanroom facility at Tyndall National Institute. 10
About the authors
Dr Emanuele Pelucchi Dr Giorgos Fagas
Dr Emanuele Pelucchi is the Head Dr Giorgos Fagas MBA is the Head of
of Group at Tyndall National Institute, EU Programmes at Tyndall National
responsible for the MOVPE national Institute. Since late 2013, he has been
facility activities, SFI principal leading Tyndall’s EU Programmes to
i n v e s t i g a t o r, a n d c o - p r i n c i p a l engage with academia, industry, other
investigator in a number of projects, research and technology organisations,
including at SFI-funded IPIC. He holds and policy stakeholders to develop
a PhD in Physics from the University technology roadmaps, shape EU
Dr Emanuele Pelucchi
of Bremen (2001), and subsequently research and innovation policies, and
joined École Polytechnique Fédérale de establish strategic partnerships for
Lausanne (EPFL) as research assistant. collaborative research in Europe and
In May 2006, Dr Pelucchi was awarded internationally. Dr Fagas is a member
a SFI Principal Investigator Grant and of the Digital Innovation Hubs Working
moved to Tyndall in January 2007, where Group, the ESFRI Physical Sciences
he set up a new research group in and Engineering Working Group, the
the field of III-V epitaxy for device Quantum Community Network of the
applications, semiconductor (site- Quantum Flagship, and the AENEAS
controlled) quantum dots and their Scientific Council as well as a regular
Dr Giorgos Fagas
applications to quantum optics and delegate to the EPoSS Executive
information. Dr Pelucchi has very broad Committee, where he chairs the
interests, spanning surface science Working Group for Smart Systems in
and epitaxy to quantum optics. He Natural Resources. Dr Fagas was also
has developed world-leading III-V elected to the executive committee of
material quality (especially in the field MIDAS, the Irish industry association
of photonic integration) and growth for micro and nanoelectronics-
process understanding, while uniquely based ‘system solutions’ to represent
developing and demonstrating arrays their interests in European affairs.
of site-controlled quantum dots and Previously, Dr Fagas has led activities
entangled photon emitters. in nanoelectronics and energy-efficient
electronics as a senior researcher
at Tyndall. His research has been
published in more than 70 peer-
reviewed articles; he is also editor
of one reference book on Molecular
Electronics and two books on ICT
Energy Concepts.Tyndall National Institute Lee Maltings Dyke Parade Cork, Ireland T12 R5CP info@tyndall.ie www.tyndall.ie
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