Modular and Re-Configurable Parametric Wavelength Interchanging Cross-Connect Architectures

We report on a new technique that allows for modular expansion of strictly transparent wavelength interchangeable cross-connect utilizing parametric wavelength converters based on four-wave mixing or difference frequency generation. The proposed technique results in cost effective cross connect architectures with fewer components than other frequently proposed designs. It will be shown that employing FWM-based converters results in reconfigurable and simple to fabricate architectures

Integrated Readout at the Quantum-Classical Interface of Semiconductor Qubits

Quantum computing promises to deliver uniquely powerful information processing machines by exploiting the quantum phenomena of superposition and entanglement. In solid-state systems, there has been significant progress in the isolation and control of the fundamental units needed to build such machines, known as qubits. However, scaling-up the number of qubits to the point where sophisticated algorithms can be performed presents considerable experimental challenges. In particular, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a new class of tools will be required to interface between fragile quantum systems, and the classical readout and control hardware of the outside world. This thesis presents experimental investigations towards the development of a scalable readout architecture for semiconductor qubit platforms. Fast readout of a GaAs-AlGaAs double quantum dot in the few-electron regime is first demonstrated via an embedded dispersive gate sensor (DGS), alleviating the burden of requiring separate charge sensors for every qubit. The sensitivity and bandwidth of this technique are extracted and benchmarked against well-established readout methods. Dispersive gate sensing of quantum point contacts (QPCs) is then presented, probing charge rearrangement within the local electrostatic environment of quasi one-dimensional channels. A low-loss, lumped-element, LC resonant circuit is also implemented for frequency multiplexed readout. The second set of experiments concern the design and characterisation of miniaturised, on-chip circulators based on the quantum Hall effect, and the quantum anomalous Hall effect. Microwaves are first capacitively coupled into edge magnetoplasmon modes in a mesoscopic GaAs-AlGaAs droplet. Non-reciprocal forward transmission comparable to off-the-shelf components is observed, which is accounted for within an interferometric picture. This circulator design is then extended to thin films of the three-dimensional topological insulator, Cr-doped (Bi,Sb)2Te3, wherein similar non-reciprocity is demonstrated in the absence of an external magnetic field

2022 roadmap on neuromorphic computing and engineering

Modern computation based on von Neumann architecture is now a mature cutting-edge science. In the von Neumann architecture, processing and memory units are implemented as separate blocks interchanging data intensively and continuously. This data transfer is responsible for a large part of the power consumption. The next generation computer technology is expected to solve problems at the exascale with 10$^{18}$ calculations each second. Even though these future computers will be incredibly powerful, if they are based on von Neumann type architectures, they will consume between 20 and 30 megawatts of power and will not have intrinsic physically built-in capabilities to learn or deal with complex data as our brain does. These needs can be addressed by neuromorphic computing systems which are inspired by the biological concepts of the human brain. This new generation of computers has the potential to be used for the storage and processing of large amounts of digital information with much lower power consumption than conventional processors. Among their potential future applications, an important niche is moving the control from data centers to edge devices. The aim of this roadmap is to present a snapshot of the present state of neuromorphic technology and provide an opinion on the challenges and opportunities that the future holds in the major areas of neuromorphic technology, namely materials, devices, neuromorphic circuits, neuromorphic algorithms, applications, and ethics. The roadmap is a collection of perspectives where leading researchers in the neuromorphic community provide their own view about the current state and the future challenges for each research area. We hope that this roadmap will be a useful resource by providing a concise yet comprehensive introduction to readers outside this field, for those who are just entering the field, as well as providing future perspectives for those who are well established in the neuromorphic computing community

Approaches to Building a Quantum Computer Based on Semiconductors

Throughout this Ph.D., the quest to build a quantum computer has accelerated, driven by ever-improving fidelities of conventional qubits and the development of new technologies that promise topologically protected qubits with the potential for lifetimes that exceed those of comparable conventional qubits. As such, there has been an explosion of interest in the design of an architecture for a quantum computer. This design would have to include high-quality qubits at the bottom of the stack, be extensible, and allow the layout of many qubits with scalable methods for readout and control of the entire device. Furthermore, the whole experimental infrastructure must handle the requirements for parallel operation of many qubits in the system. Hence the crux of this thesis: to design an architecture for a semiconductor-based quantum computer that encompasses all the elements that would be required to build a large scale quantum machine, and investigate the individual these elements at each layer of this stack, from qubit to readout to control

Wireless Data Transmission for the Battery Management System of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

This work introduces a novel wireless approach for the data transmission within automotive battery management systems. The main target is the reduction of the wiring harness deployed in a battery. The characteristics of the wireless in-battery channel are investigated by means of measurements and software-based electromagnetic simulations. Different types of antennas and frequency bands are analyzed. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated by means of simulations and prototypes

Industrial Robotics

This book covers a wide range of topics relating to advanced industrial robotics, sensors and automation technologies. Although being highly technical and complex in nature, the papers presented in this book represent some of the latest cutting edge technologies and advancements in industrial robotics technology. This book covers topics such as networking, properties of manipulators, forward and inverse robot arm kinematics, motion path-planning, machine vision and many other practical topics too numerous to list here. The authors and editor of this book wish to inspire people, especially young ones, to get involved with robotic and mechatronic engineering technology and to develop new and exciting practical applications, perhaps using the ideas and concepts presented herein