About the project
Novel Micro/Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS) switches will be developed to significantly reduce overall power consumption of integrated quantum circuits. The MEMS/NEMS switches will be optimised for low temperature operation and will be integrated with existing quantum circuits to evaluate the energy efficiency of the systems.
This project aims to develop RF/DC MEMS/NEMS switches to work as power gating devices for quantum circuits at low temperatures. MEMS/NEMS switches are known to have considerable advantages over conventional semiconductor switches like Field-Effect-Transistors (FETs) as power gating devices thanks to their ultralow current at the off-state due to mechanical separation. The design of the MEMS/NEMS switches will be optimised for their operation at low temperatures, and the devices will be prototyped by using cleanroom facilities in Southampton.
The project also includes the study of contact materials suitable for low temperature operation of MEMS/NEMS switches. The optimised MEMS/NEMS switches will be integrated into existing quantum circuits such as quantum computers or quantum sensors, and then the improvement of the power consumption for the overall quantum systems will be evaluated.
The supervisory team has strong links with research institutions in Japan and will seek further collaboration opportunities during the project, potentially with industries. Successful development of low temperature MEMS/NEMS switches will make a significant contribution to reduce power consumption of quantum circuits and computers and thus make quantum technology more accessible and environmentally friendly.