Exploration of Optimizing FPGA-based Qubit Controller for Experiments on Superconducting Quantum Computing Hardware

Abstract

This work explores avenues and target areas for optimizing FPGA-based control hardware for experiments conducted on superconducting quantum computing systems and serves as an introduction to some of the current research at the intersection of classical and quantum computing hardware. With the promise of building larger-scale error-corrected quantum computers based on superconducting qubit architecture, innovations to room-temperature control electronics are needed to bring these quantum realizations to fruition. The QICK (Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit) is one leading experimental FPGA-based implementations. However, its integration into other experimental quantum computing architectures, especially those using superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities, is largely unexplored. We identify some key target areas for optimizing control electronics for superconducting qubit architectures and provide some preliminary results to the resolution of a control pulse waveform. With optimizations targeted at 3D superconducting qubit setups, we hope to bring to light some of the requirements in classical computational methodologies to bring out the full potential of this quantum computing architecture, and to convey the excitement of progress in this research.