ICARUS-Q: Integrated control and readout unit for scalable quantum processors.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Computing
• Solid State Physics
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Superconducting qubits are a leading platform for quantum computing.
• Precise control and measurement are critical for qubit performance.
• Existing setups often rely on complex and bulky microwave electronics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, integrated control and measurement setup for superconducting qubits.
• To leverage the capabilities of the Xilinx RFSoC for quantum experiments.
• To simplify and enhance the experimental infrastructure for quantum research.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Xilinx 16-channel radio-frequency system-on-chip (RFSoC) device.
• Implemented a synchronization system for digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channels across multiple boards.
• Integrated a low-noise direct current supply for qubit frequency tuning.
• Enabled cloud-based remote experiment execution.

Main Results:

• The RFSoC directly generated microwave pulses using DAC channels up to the third Nyquist zone.
• The system directly sampled signals using ADC channels between the fifth and ninth zones.
• The setup was designed to be free of physical mixers, reducing complexity.
• Achieved synchronized control and measurement capabilities for superconducting qubits.

Conclusions:

• The proposed RFSoC-based setup offers a streamlined and efficient approach for controlling and measuring superconducting qubits.
• This integrated system simplifies experimental infrastructure and potentially reduces costs.
• The design facilitates remote experimentation and advanced quantum control techniques.