FICORE

Quantum Lego for topological computing – A consortium of IITs and Finnish universities

Quantum Lego for Topological Computing Consortium is a collaboration between Aalto University, University of Jyväskylä, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The consortium targets pathfinder research in non-Abelian quantum technologies for quantum information sciences.
Quantum Hall bilayer with two parallel graphene layers, separated insulating layer.
Quantum Hall bilayer with two parallel graphene layers, separated insulating layer. Source: Manohar Kumar

Non-Abelian quasiparticles are one of the keys to topological quantum computing and are at the frontiers of modern physics. The Quantum Lego for Topological Computing Consortium aims to engineer the non-Abelian quasiparticle in two-dimensional layered crystals’ designer heterostructures. Combining flexible nanofabricated structure, atomic properties, and the high-mobility monolayer graphene-van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures provide a promising avenue for non-Abelian physics.

The consortium of Aalto University, Jyväskylä University, IIT Madras, and IIT Kharagpur will develop a tuning knob to control the interaction between the particles. IIT Madras node will fabricate the twisted bilayer sample, the Jyväskylä node will study these quantum materials via the low-temperature tunneling spectroscopy, and the Aalto node will study emergent quasiparticle via electro-magneto spectroscopy at ultra-low temperature. The Aalto and IIT Kharagpur nodes will provide theoretical models for this project. The designer quantum materials developed will be pathfinders for topological quantum technologies and will see valorization in ultra-fast optoelectronic switches and Tera-Hertz detectors.

The consortium is a basis for the long-term goals of the research parties and participating Universities. The consortium is being led by Dr. Manohar Kumar, an academy research fellow at the Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University. According to Dr. Kumar, “this research with its unique combination of quantum material engineering, detections, and controlled manipulation of non-Abelian quasiparticles in quantum Hall bilayer systems will put us at the forefront of the topological quantum technologies”. During the project, the research team will train doctoral students at Aalto University, initiate a joint Ph.D. with Indian partners, accommodate researcher mobility, and disseminate knowledge through seminars and public lectures. 

This project is seed-funded as part of the India Pilot initiative from the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. Aalto is coordinating the India Pilot Network FICORE (Finnish Indian Consortia for Research and Education) which involves 38 higher education institutions from Finland and India.

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