Title: Cryogenic Integrated Circuits for Scalable Quantum Computers
Abstract: Quantum computers require classical electronics for readout and control. Using discrete cryogenic components and scientific instruments at room temperature for this task is only viable for few qubits, not for millions of qubits required for fault-tolerant operation. To address compactness and scalability, integrated circuits working directly at cryogenic temperatures, where qubits operate, are emerging as an alternative.
In this context, this presentation covers cryogenic integrated circuits for silicon and superconducting quantum computers. The presentation spans across devices, circuits and systems. On the quantum side, it targets silicon quantum dots and transmons. On the circuit side, it details the characterization and modeling of transistors and passives at temperatures between mK and ~4 K and it describes the design of analog/RF and mixed-signal integrated circuits for qubit receivers and controllers. The presented circuits, across temperature boundaries, carry the features required for future scalable quantum computing platforms and could therefore form their core.
Bio: Andrea Ruffino is an Established Researcher and Lecturer at ETH Zürich. He received his Ph.D. degree in Microsystems and Microelectronics in 2021 from EPFL, where he worked on cryogenic CMOS electronics for qubit readout and control. During his Ph.D., from 2017 to 2018, he was a visiting researcher at TU Delft. From 2022 to 2024, he was with IBM Research Zurich, working on cryogenic electronics for spin and superconducting quantum computers, besides wireline circuits. Since 2024 he is with ETH Zürich, working on mm-wave and sub-THz SiGe phased arrays for 6G applications. His main research interests include analog and RF integrated circuit design, cryogenic CMOS electronics for quantum computing applications, superconducting electronics and RF electronics for wireless, radioastronomy and space applications.
Dr. Ruffino is also a recipient of the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society (SSCS) Predoctoral Achievement Award for 2020-2021 and he is currently Technical Program Committee (TPC) member and sub-committee Chair for Emerging Technologies at the IEEE Custom Integrated Circuits Conference (CICC).
Host: Harish Krishnaswamy