Quantum Industries

Quantum Computing

Ref: https://www.vttresearch.com/en/technology-infrastructures/quantum-computing-and-technologies

VTT's Research Focus in Quantum Computing

• Software and Algorithm Development: Researching pure quantum algorithms and hybrid algorithms that combine with traditional supercomputers for applications in optimization, simulation, and machine learning.

• Hardware Facilities: VTT has developed and operates a 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer named VTT Q50. This device is available for use by research and commercial organizations and can be integrated for computation with the LUMI supercomputer at the Finnish IT Center for Science (CSC).

VTT's Technologies and Services

VTT provides access to its quantum computing infrastructure and conducts related research and development in software and algorithms. Its areas of expertise include:

• Quantum Optimization

• Quantum Simulation

• Quantum Machine Learning

• Error Mitigation

• Algorithm Implementation and Hardware Integration

VTT Application Case Studies

• Chemical Simulation: Algorithmiq's Photochemistry Research

Quantum computers have a natural advantage in simulating molecular structures. The research institute Algorithmiq utilized the VTT Q50 to perform high-precision calculations of the energy gap of the BODIPY molecule. Such calculations are crucial for optimizing drug discovery processes like photodynamic cancer therapy.

• Fluid Dynamics: Quanscient's Simulation Research

Traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are time-consuming and computationally expensive. VTT collaborated with Quanscient to conduct preliminary CFD simulations on superconducting quantum hardware, exploring the possibility of using quantum computing to accelerate the solving of such problems.

• Materials Science: Ammonia Molecule Simulation

In the green energy sector, accurately calculating the potential energy of molecules like "green ammonia" is essential. Research has shown that digital simulation on a quantum computer can speed up the calculation process and achieve the accuracy required for chemical predictions.

Quantum Computer Scale-up

▲VTT assisted its spin-off company, Arctic Instruments, with the R&D, prototyping, and chip foundry services for superconducting microwave amplifiers, accelerating its technology commercialization process.
Ref: https://www.vttresearch.com/en/case-arctic-instruments-quantum-amplifier

One of the main challenges in achieving "quantum advantage" (where a quantum computer surpasses the fastest classical computers on a specific problem) is scaling up the quantum computer. This requires not only increasing the number of qubits but also improving their quality and developing new integration and connectivity technologies. VTT's research in this area focuses on developing the key technologies needed for scale-up.

Hardware Development and Fabrication

VTT has decades of experience in developing superconducting hardware components and possesses in-house cleanroom facilities that support the entire process from design and fabrication to prototype testing. Its research directions include:

• Superconducting Quantum Devices: Developing the technologies, devices, and subsystems required for quantum computing hardware and quantum sensors.

• 3D Integration Technology: Researching 3D stacking methods for superconducting wafers, such as flip-chip bonding and Through-Silicon Via (TSV) technology, to achieve highly integrated superconducting modules.

• Quantum Sensing: Developing SQUID-based magnetometers (for applications like brain imaging) and Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) (for quantum communication).

• Cryo-CMOS Technology: Developing ultra-low-noise amplifiers (for weak signals in the RF to millimeter-wave range) and custom integrated circuits (ASICs) for qubit signal readout and control in cryogenic environments, using technologies such as SiGe, CMOS, and InP.

• Integrated Photonics Solutions: Integrated photonic solutions for quantum computers include Silicon Nitride (SiN) and Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) platforms. The focus is on optoelectronic conversion in quantum computers: when transmitting microwave signals from superconducting qubits or photonic sensors to the room-temperature end, optoelectronic conversion allows thousands of microwave cables to be replaced by a few optical fibers.

Technology Collaboration Cases

• Collaboration with Xanadu

VTT fabricated Photon-Number-Resolving Detectors for the Canadian quantum technology company Xanadu to support the development of their photonic quantum computers. This collaboration aims to transform laboratory research results into scalable, manufacturable components.

• Collaboration with Arctic Instruments

VTT assisted its spin-off company, Arctic Instruments, with the R&D, prototyping, and chip foundry services for superconducting microwave amplifiers, accelerating its technology commercialization process.

Integrated Photonics

Integrated photonics is the technology of integrating optical components such as waveguides, modulators, and lasers onto a single chip, similar to integrated circuits in electronics. Its goal is to achieve miniaturization, high performance, and low power consumption for optical systems. Application areas include data communications, sensors, LiDAR, and quantum technologies.

Technological Advantages of Integrated Photonics

• Miniaturization: Shrinking complex optical systems from tens of centimeters down to a few millimeters.

• High Efficiency: Reducing power consumption, especially advantageous over traditional electronic solutions for high-frequency signal transmission.

• High Bandwidth: Meeting the needs of data-intensive applications, such as high-performance computing and 6G communications.

VTT's Technology Platforms and Capabilities

VTT has a long history of research in the field of integrated photonics, with technical capabilities covering the entire process from design simulation and prototyping to packaging and testing.

• Material Platforms: Primarily developing Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology based on 3µm thick Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) and Silicon Nitride (SiN). The SOI platform focuses on low-loss transmission in the infrared band, while the SiN platform can be extended to the visible light spectrum, suitable for quantum and medical applications.

• Integration Technologies:

  • Monolithic Integration: Seamlessly integrating active and passive components on a single chip.

  • Hybrid Integration: Integrating III-V semiconductor lasers or amplifiers onto silicon-based waveguides using techniques like flip-chip bonding.

  • Heterogeneous Integration: Integrating new materials like graphene and performing subsequent processing at the wafer level.

• Assembly and Packaging: Possesses advanced packaging technologies such as low-loss fiber coupling, polymer lens fabrication, and V-groove alignment.

Technology Application Case

• Rockley Photonics Technology Development

Between 2014 and 2021, VTT assisted Rockley Photonics with the development and prototyping of its photonic integrated circuit platform. This technology was subsequently transferred to large-scale foundries for the production of optical sensors in consumer applications.

Cybersecurity

As digitalization deepens, the threats facing information security are becoming increasingly complex. VTT's cybersecurity research aims to provide customized security architectures and evaluation methods for critical infrastructure, high-demand industries (such as energy, defense, and telecommunications), and emerging technologies.

Research Areas and Methods

VTT's cybersecurity research covers both software and hardware levels, with an eye on future threats.

• Threat Assessment and Testing: Conducting assessments of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) networks, performing device testing and penetration testing.

• Secure Architecture Design: Designing architectures for complex systems that meet security requirements, following the Security-by-Design principle.

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): Researching and developing cryptographic algorithms that can withstand attacks from future quantum computers, and participating in related standardization efforts. This is to protect high-value data in fields like defense and finance.

• AI Security: Researching AI-driven cybersecurity applications while also defending against security risks generated by AI.

• Test Environments: Utilizing its Cyber War Room security lab and 5G test network infrastructure to conduct realistic cyber-attack and defense drills and security performance tests.

Key Projects

• AI-NET-ANTILLAS Project

VTT coordinates the Finnish consortium of this European project, which is dedicated to researching methods to protect information networks and critical infrastructure.

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Project

This project, funded by Business Finland, aims to develop quantum-safe cryptographic technologies and to formulate national-level quantum-safe assessment recommendations for Finland.