QAMSS Lecture: Modelling Spin-Qubit in Silicon: From First-Principles Simulations to Quantum-Classical EDA Integration

Scaling silicon spin qubits towards application-scale quantum computation requires large arrays of high-performing qubits that can be reliably engineered, manufactured and controlled. Meeting these stringent demands makes accurate physical modelling of the quantum hardware of paramount importance. This task is an inherently multi-scale, multi-domain challenge, necessitating high-performance simulation approaches capable of simultaneously capturing microscopic quantum dynamics and describing the complex quantum-classical interface.

This lecture presents a comprehensive simulation pipeline for silicon spin qubits that emulates the full device design life cycle, leveraging process emulation, electrostatic modelling and quantum simulations to link physical design to quantum processing unit (QPU) metrics. This approach accurately describes the voltage dependence of critical control parameters, and provides insights into valley excitations and many-body effects. We leverage novel time-dependent full-configuration interaction (FCI) simulations to capture the charge and spin dynamics accurately during two-qubit gates and Pauli spin blockade.

Additionally, we leverage our novel Verilog-A-based framework to create spice-compatible compact models of QPUs and quantum subsystems, enabling co-simulations of hybrid quantum-classical circuits within industry-standard analogue simulators while retaining coherent quantum behaviour. This empowers quantum engineers and IC designers to leverage decades of advancements in electronic design automation (EDA). By integrating technology computer-aided design (TCAD) with standard EDA tools, we establish a new paradigm for the very-large-scale integration (VLSI) of silicon spin qubits.

Attendees of this lecture will:

• Learn about progress and challenges in scaling spin qubits to utility-scale
• Gain insight into how quantum mechanics, solid state physics and electronic engineering come together to simulate a quantum processor accurately
• Explore the novel and enticing prospect of quantum compact modelling and quantum-classical co-simulation for quantum information processing and high-performance hybrid microwave circuits.

About the speaker

Dr. Lorenzo Peri, Quantum Motion, UK. Image credit: Timothy Lambden.

Lorenzo Peri earned his PhD at the University of Cambridge researching the electrical behaviour of quantum systems, particularly of spin qubits in silicon quantum dot devices. He is now a senior modelling engineer at Quantum Motion, where his work focuses on modelling quantum effects in silicon devices to enhance design and simulation capabilities for hybrid microwave circuits and quantum information processing applications. He has published his research in several scientific journals on novel quantum modelling techniques and the integration of quantum effects in classical compact models.