University Kaiserslautern Accelerates Quantum Computer Development with New DDS Firmware

Bangalore, India – June 19, 2024 – RPTU Kaiserslautern, collaborating within the Rymax One project, is advancing quantum computer development by utilizing single atoms as qubits. The primary challenge is the precise positioning and movement of these atoms, achieved through lasers acting as optical tweezers. Traditionally, programming these laser movements required extensive data and time-consuming calculations. However, the introduction of Spectrum Instrumentation’s Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) firmware has significantly streamlined this process, allowing control with simple commands that define start and stop parameters.

Key Developments:

– Enhanced Research Efficiency: Dipl.-Phys. Jonas Witzenrath highlighted the substantial impact of the DDS option, enabling rapid progress and reduced system complexity. The next research phase involves using the DDS firmware for atom reordering in a static 2D array and shaping UV laser pulses for precise qubit interactions.

– Versatile Applications: The DDS firmware’s flexibility extends beyond quantum computing, proving useful for other lab functions like pulsed lasers and chirp generation, reducing the need for dedicated equipment.

– Spectrum AWG Cards: Chosen for their superior analog performance, large memory, and high transfer speed, Spectrum’s AWG cards are crucial in minimizing experimental downtime and ensuring accurate and fast operations. The DDS firmware enables these cards to generate commands within twenty microseconds with minimal jitter, essential for precision.

Example Experiment: Using the Spectrum Instrumentation AWG card M4i.6631-x8, an Acousto-Optic Deflector (AOD) generates an optical tweezer to trap atoms. The AOD, driven by an RF signal around 82 MHz, can move an atom by about 8 μm within 100 μs using s-shaped frequency ramps to minimize heating. During this time, signal amplitude is adjusted to maintain light intensity.

DDS Firmware Features:

-Arbitrary Sine Wave Generation: From a single reference clock, the DDS firmware can define 23 cores per AWG card, each programmable for frequency, amplitude, phase, and slopes.
– Synchronization: Outputs can be synchronized with external triggers or programmable timers with a 6.4 ns resolution.
– High-Speed Streaming: The AWG can stream DDS commands at up to 10 million commands per second, offering flexibility for user-defined slopes and modulation types.

Rymax One Quantum Computer Design:

– Qubit Suspension: Individual Ytterbium atoms are suspended using optical tweezers in a Rydberg state.
– Optimization Focus: The project targets quantum optimization problems and algorithms like QAOA and quantum annealing.
– Dynamic Control: Full control over UV laser light and different RF signals is essential, leveraging Spectrum Instrumentation’s expertise.

This collaboration and the new DDS firmware option are pivotal in pushing the boundaries of quantum computing, optimizing processes, and broadening research capabilities.