Summary
Topological qubits offer a novel pathway to scalable quantum computing by simultaneously allowing for ease of coupling between qubits and strong decoupling of qubits from noise and dissipation. The most promising direction explores the topologically induced protection of theoretically predicted exotic quasiparticles, the so-called Majorana Zero Modes or MZMs. To-date MZMs, which follow non-Abelian statistics, have largely evaded unambiguous experimental demonstration. This project aims to provide a suitable material platform to realize MZMs. To achieve this, we develop a high-mobility semiconductor layer structure in order to observe the experimental signature of Majorana fermions on a platform that can be readily scaled and advanced to logical qubit devices. This project utilizes the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) facility, the Quantum NanoFab and Characterization facility, and cryogenic measurement facilities available at UW to produce high-mobility material and turn epitaxial heterostructures into working devices. Furthermore, we collaborate with Jonathan Baugh’s group on quantum transport, fabrication and cryogenic measurements. This project advances all stages of developing a device based on topological qubits: design, MBE growth, fabrication and final testing. We would like to demonstrate and use the non-Abelian statistics of Majorana fermions to form topological qubits in epitaxial heterostructures and produce devices that could in the future lead to topologically protected quantum computers.

Figure 1. Concept visualization of two bound Majorana Zero Modes (MZM, in red), under a superconductor island (grey), all within a gate-defined quantum wire. The semi-transparent blue layer represents the host two-dimensional electron gas in the semiconductor single crystal.
Related Content
QuantumIon: an open-access quantum computing platform
Summary Trapped ions are one of the most advanced technologies for quantum computing, offering multi-qubit control in a universal quantum computing architecture and the ability to perform calculations with unprecedented precision. In this project we construct a shared trapped-ion quantum computing platform, QuantumIon, that will enable a broader and interdisciplinary scientific community to access an […]
September 9, 2019

Entangled Photon Orbital Angular Momentum Arrays
Summary Arrays of orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of light are a new form of structured light so far relatively unexplored in quantum information science. Unlike spin angular momentum of light, which is related to light’s polarization and covers two dimensions, OAM states, sometimes described as ‘donut beams’ due to the shape of the field […]
September 19, 2019
Advanced microwave electronics enabling quantum technologies
Summary Superconducting quantum computers require quantum-limited measurements at microwave frequencies in order to implement error correction. Conventionally, this is accomplished using near quantum-limited Josephson Parametric Amplifiers (JPAs). The JPAs require bulky ferrite-based circulators that prevent on-chip integration of the amplifiers with the processor and take up the majority of space and cooling power in the […]
April 1, 2020

Harnessing the Promise of Quantum Materials for Future Electronic Devices
Summary Two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials, such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide, have great potential for use in future flexible and wearable electronics applications. With traditional silicon-based electronics nearing their theoretical performance limits, nano-electronics made from 2D quantum materials offer breakthrough opportunities for energy-efficient, wearable ubiquitous computation. In this project, we will study integration of […]
June 14, 2018