As the demand for digital services grows, so does the need for data centres and transmission networks. Unfortunately, these data systems consume vast amounts of energy, resulting in nearly 1% of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This project aims to invent novel quantum devices for highly energy-efficient computing that may help reduce the global digital carbon footprint. Tellurium (Te)-based devices will be gated through antiferroelectric (AFE) stacks to form a multi-valued-logic quantum device. A tapered Te region will be used as the active material of the developed transistors. This proposed architecture can rely on quantum tunnelling effects to minimize energy consumption per transition while circumventing the limitations of the classical field-effect transistors. The AFE layer can transform binary logic switches into ternary logic devices, allowing fewer transistors to perform the same function and reduce overall power consumption. The researchers will first develop, calibrate, and validate an AFE model and use the model to investigate the characteristics of AFE capacitors. The electronic states and materials parameters of Te will also be explored. Next, a new simulation tool will be developed to study the physics related to the proposed devices and the optimal device structure will be proposed for a prototype. The modelling results will be further validated and calibrated against experiments, allowing the device to be updated iteratively for further optimization. The quantum simulation tool and prototype ternary devices will not only help build ultra-low-power electronics for sustainable computing but will also elevate our knowledge in material science, quantum physics, and electronics.
Figure 1. (a) Tellurium crystal structure with unique helical chains for the active channel material of the device. (b) A double hysteresis loop in the polarization vs. electric field characteristic of antiferroelectric thin film for multi-valued-logic operation.
Related Content
A Reformulation of Quantum Game Theory
Summary Classical game theory – conducted at the interface between economics and computer science – has found applications in topics ranging from networking and security to online markets. Despite over 20 years of research into connections between game theory and quantum information, we have yet to see any significant implications of quantum information when applied […]
April 1, 2020
Rydberg Atom Array Quantum Simulator
Summary Quantum simulators enable probing the static and dynamic properties of correlated quantum many-body systems that would otherwise be numerically inaccessible using classical simulators. We are developing quantum simulators based on arrays of neutral atoms excited to Rydberg states. Such Rydberg atom arrays are advantageous for simulating the dynamics of interacting spin systems (Ising spin […]
February 27, 2020
Hybrid Quantum Materials towards Topological Quantum Computing
Summary Proximity engineered hybrid materials have shown promise for topological quantum information processing. This form of quantum computing provides a stable, error-tolerant approach for building scalable quantum information processors. Topological quantum computing relies on braiding non-Abelian particles, such as Majorana fermions, which do not exist in nature. One can however use materials engineering to […]
December 8, 2018
Quantum State Tomography with Machine Learning
Summary An important challenge in building a quantum computer is quantifying the level of control obtained in the preparation of a quantum state. The state of a quantum device is characterized from experimental measurements, using a procedure known as tomography. Exact tomography requires a vast amount of computer resources, making it prohibitive for quantum […]
June 6, 2018