What is NANOMAGIQC?
NANOMAGIQC is the acronym for
"Nanotechnology and Magnetic Qubits
To Implement Quantum
Computation", a three-year (January 2002 - December
2004) research project to investigate the application of nanomagnets,
particles and clusters for quantum information processing and
storage.
This project addresses a number of the objectives and challenges
specified in the Nanotechnology Information
Devices (NID) Proactive Initiative (under Future and Emerging
Technologies, FET) and important related issues:
WE propose the study of
mesoscopic spin systems for quantum computation as a
new and novel approach for Nanotechnology Information
Devices (NID).
One objective of our project is the development of
state-of-the-art new microSQUIDs and microHall probes
(through collaboration and sharing of nanofabrication facilities
between partners) These
ultra-sensitive magnetic sensors will have wider
application for other magnetic nanodevices, forming an
interface to more conventional Information Technology (IT).
The construction of quantum logic circuits using
nano-fabricated and nano-manipulated magnetic qubits
offers the potential for scalability, and so clearly
merits detailed research and assessment for quantum NID.
Investigation of new measurement techniques for
magnetic systems will assess their wider suitability for
memory elements and "output
registers" of quantum NID.
Our project includes the development of the required
magnetic materials and structures and their
nano-manipulation, integrated into complete devices
with magnetic sensors.
Future quantum and nano-information technology
may well be hybrid, with different physical systems
performing different tasks. Detailed understanding and
characterisation of the decoherence properties of
nanomagnets will provide very useful general information for
the assessment of their most appropriate role in NID,
and for other novel applications of nanomagnets
in the MHz and GHz range.
Even few-qubit nanomagnet investigations will
feed back invaluable ideas and stimuli to both the fundamental NID and
the quantum information research communities, and provide a new area
of overlap.
The deposition of nanomagnets, clusters and particles into
the microSQUID and microHall probe detectors will provide a
specific vehicle for the improvement of magnetic force
microscopy and new chemical deposition methods.
New research on magnetic qubits should foster new Quantum
Information links and interest in industries whose current
focus is on magnetic applications in conventional IT.
The development of magnetic quantum nanotechnology will provide an
important bridge between the great strides being made
in conventional IT through nanoscience and
nanotechnology developments and the new and fast developing area of
quantum IT.
