Project: QUANtum Technologies with 2D-Oxides

Acronym QUANTOX (Reference Number: QuantERA2017-QUANTOX)
Duration 23/02/2018
Project Topic The development of "fault tolerant" quantum computation, unaffected by noise and decoherence, is one of the fundamental challenges in quantum technology. One of the approaches currently followed is the realization of "topologically protected" qubits which make use of quantum systems characterized by a degenerate ground state composed by collective composite particles, known as "non-Abelian anyons", able to encode and manipulate quantum information in a nonlocal manner. An example of such non-Abelian anyons are Majorana zero energy modes (MZMs), which have been reported in NbN/InSb/NbN hybrid junctions composed by a InSb semiconducting nanowire (characterized by large spin orbit coupling) proximised by NbN s-wave superconducting leads. Here we propose two-dimensional oxides (2D-oxides) as an innovative technological platform for the realization of topological quantum systems. Our idea is to exploit the unique combination of unconventional Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC), 2D-magnetism,superconductivity (SC) and high-mobility in the 2D electron gas (2DEG) at the interface between oxide insulators, as for instance LaAlO3 (LAO) and SrTiO3 (STO). The basic element of this technology is a quasi-one dimensional nano-channel, whose properties can be locally tuned using electric field effect to create both topological and non-topological superconducting sections, and metallic or even insulating tunnelling barriers.This platform has all the characteristics for the practical realization of theory-based proposals for topological quantum computation, and important fundamental and technological advantages. 2D-oxides technology allows a top-down approach for nanodevices realization fully scalable to complex systems including a large number of qubits. All the ingredients necessary for creating, manipulating and braiding MZMs can be realized using the same material and incorporated in the device layout in a seamless way. Moreover, the strong sensitivity of oxide-2DEGs to the orbital splitting and occupation of the non-degenerate 3dxy and 3dxz,yz bands, allows the development of conceptual new methods for the realization of a topological quantum electronics controlled by the orbital degrees of freedom. Our project is aimed at establishing oxide 2DEGs as a viable platform for the realization of topological quantum computers, thus launching a new technological approach to the realization of "fault tolerant" quantum computation technology.
Project Results
(after finalisation)
Website visit project website
Network QuantERA
Call QuantERA Call 2017

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 Consiglio Nazionale della ricerca Coordinator Italy
2 Universidad Complutense de Madrid Partner Spain
3 Unité mixte de physique CNRS/Thalès Partner France
4 ESPCI Paris Partner France
5 Bar Ilan University by Birad R&D Co. Ltd. Partner Israel
6 Delft University of Technology Partner Netherlands
7 Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience - MC2, Chalmers University of Technology Partner Sweden