NCCR SPIN Newsletter - Dec 2024

Phase II

November 20-21, 2025, Basel, NCCR SPIN Review Panel Site Visit

June 18-20, 2025, Pontresina, Annual Meeting, 2025

NCCR SPIN has officially entered its phase II (2024-2028) on August 1st, with an increase in funding of 20% from the SNSF compared to Phase I. This important step forward reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire team. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone for their dedication to research excellence and collaboration.

Over the years, NCCR SPIN has expanded to include more than 30 research groups across Switzerland. We look forward to continuing our collective efforts to advance quantum computing using Si and Ge spins!

NCCR SPIN Executive Committee

At the 4th Annual Meeting in Pontresina, the assembly of all PIs of the NCCR SPIN elected the Executive Committee for Phase II. We are pleased to announce the updated composition of the NCCR SPIN Executive Committee, now consisting of:

• Prof. Adrian Ionescu (EPFL)
• Prof. Jelena Klinovaja (University of Basel)
• Prof. Daniel Loss (University of Basel)
• Prof. Mathieu Luisier (ETHZ)
• Prof. Martino Poggio (University of Basel)
• Dr. Heike Riel (IBM Research)
• Prof. Vincenzo Savona (EPFL, new member)
• Prof. Andreas Wallraff (ETHZ, new member)
• Prof. Dominik Zumbühl (University of Basel)

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Gian Salis and Dr. Andreas Fuhrer for all their work as members of the executive committee during Phase I. We warmly welcome Prof. Vincenzo Savona and Prof. Andreas Wallraff to the committee and look forward to their leadership in advancing the mission of NCCR SPIN.

NCCR SPIN board of directors

At its first meeting in August, the Executive Committee elected the Board of Directors. We are pleased to announce the reappointment of the leadership team for phase II (2024-2028) of NCCR SPIN:

• Prof. Dominik Zumbühl (University of Basel), Director
• Dr. Heike Riel (IBM Research), Vice Director
• Prof. Daniel Loss (University of Basel), Co-Director
• Prof. Jelena Klinovaja (University of Basel), Vice Co-Director

New PIs of NCCR Spin 

Several scientists have joined NCCR SPIN as full members, leading their own funded projects in Phase II:

• Dr. Andreas Baumgartner (University of Basel)
• Prof. Guido Burkard (University of Konstanz)
• Prof. Giuseppe Carleo (EPFL)
• Prof. Edoardo Charbon (EPFL)
• Prof. Eugene Demler (ETH Zürich)
• Prof. Zoë Holmes (EPFL)
• Dr. Agnes Meyder (Roche)
• Prof. Vincenzo Savona (EPFL)
• Dr. Ivano Tavernelli (IBM Research Zürich)
• Prof. Oded Zilberberg (University of Konstanz).

• Dr. Géraldine Haack (University of Geneva)

Several PIs left the NCCR at the end of Phase I. We would like to thank Dr. Andreas Fuhrer, Dr. Matthias Mergenthaler, Dr. Gian Salis, Prof. Christian Schönenberger, Dr. Martin Strahm, and Dr. Marielle van de Pol for their numerous contributions to the NCCR.

Project Leaders for Phase II

Project A, Architectures

• Prof. Thomas Ihn (ETHZ)
• Prof. Zoë Holmes (EPFL, new leader)

Project Q, Qubits

• Prof. Martino Poggio (University of Basel)
• Prof. Guido Burkard (University of Konstanz, new leader)

The project leaders take on important roles with the annual reporting and the site visits.

New Projects and Strategic Outlook for Phase II
 
1. IBM Spin Qubit Projects
The efforts on planar Ge will continue for about two more years, facilitating completion of PhD theses and postdocs terms. This project, led by Dr. Patrick Harvey-Collard, aims to enhance the reproducibility and coherence of these qubits.
The collaboration on nanofabrication of MOS qubits at the IBM clean room is set to continue throughout the NCCR duration. Currently, the nanofabrication tool set is being upgraded with a new low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LP-CVD) machine, for example to enhance the quality of gate stacks.
 
2. New Qubit Project at EPFL
At EPFL, a new qubit project led by Prof. Scarlino focuses on optimizing the coherence of hole spin qubits in planar germanium, leveraging their unique properties like high mobility and low sensitivity to Overhauser field noise. By investigating different types of spin qubits and developing high-bandwidth quantum state detection, the team aims to implement high fidelity gates and also implement longitudinal photon coupling for advanced quantum information processing.
 
3. New Collaborations with Intel and SemiQon
We are excited to welcome Intel and SemiQon as new partners in the NCCR, both with projects based at the University of Basel:

• The NCCR has started a collaboration with Intel on a project led by Prof. Dominik Zumbühl, which focuses on electron spin qubits in Si/SiGe quantum wells. The project is working with 3-qubit and 12-qubit chains fabricated in the state-of-the-art Intel process using extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV), along with other standard high-volume manufacturing processes, used to achieve industry level device yields. It is exploring device physics, qubit fidelity, and advanced tuning techniques for scalable and high-performance qubit systems.
• SemiQon is a startup which was spun-out from the Finnish VTT technical research center in 2022/2023. SemiQon is running its own pilot line for producing Si:MOS spin qubit devices, providing a new qubit supply line. SemiQon is also aiming to open an office at Quantum Basel to facilitate the collaboration. The project investigates FDSOI-based electron and hole spin qubits, using iterative device manufacturing to address and refine key operational challenges, operating in the groups of Dr. Andreas Kuhlmann and Prof. Dominik Zumbühl.

• In close collaboration with Prof. Zoë Holmes at EPFL, Dr. Agnes Meyder at Roche will lead a project exploring quantum computing applications for medicine. This project is pioneering algorithms for pharmaceutical energy structure calculations tailored to the unique capabilities of spin-qubit quantum computers. It combines resource estimation with innovative algorithm development to optimize calculations essential for drug discovery on quantum platforms.
• Dr. James Wootton, working with Moth Quantum at uptownBasel, and at the University of Basel, will embark on a proof-of-principle project, testing algorithms with a small number of SPIN qubits. The project aims to leverage the unique physics of few-qubit devices to implement early-stage quantum algorithms. It focuses on developing methods suited to near-term spin qubit hardware, optimizing algorithms for accessible input, time evolution, and output on these systems.

• Scaling of qubits and arrays,
• Qubit readout and coupling mechanisms.

Guidelines for acknowledging the NCCR Spin in Scientific Publications

When acknowledging support from NCCR SPIN in your publications, please use the following phrasing:
“This work was supported as a part of NCCR SPIN, a National Centre of Competence in Research, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant number 225153).”

The SNSF has an open access publishing policy which also includes mandatory open data on all publications.

Grants

SPINnovate

In its quest to bolster technological advancements and expedite the transition from groundbreaking research to commercial viability, NCCR SPIN initiated a second call for proposals offering non-dilutive funding of up to CHF 30,000 per project through the Early-Stage Ideas Grant and up to CHF 60,000 per project through the Advanced Technology Grant. Eligible activities encompass personnel recruitment, prototype development, and other spin-off-related ventures.

The call for proposals has been extended to internal applicants of NCCR SPIN who have either established or are on the verge of founding a startup entity.

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2024

• Decision Announcement: December 2024

• Starting Date: Between January 1st, 2025 and April 1st, 2025

• Project Duration: 6 to 18 months.

For more information, please visit our dedicated webpage here. For further inquiries about the SPINnovate Grant please contact Dr. Carmen Pietropaolo at carmen.pietropaolo@unibas.ch.

The grant committee was positively impressed with the quality of the applications and the potential of the projects presented in the first call for proposals in 2023. We are excited to see technological applications already emerging from the research carried out within the NCCR.

Events

Annual Meeting 2024

The NCCR SPIN fourth Annual Meeting took place on June 12-14, 2024 in Pontresina, gathering young researchers and several industry experts to discuss the latest advancements in spin-based quantum technologies. This three-day event featured a program of over 20 scientific talks, approximately 35 poster presentations, and engaging special sessions.

The sessions spanned various cutting-edge topics, including:

• Spin qubit hardware development

• Materials growth and characterization

• Qubit coupling and readout 

• Qubit control and CryoCMOS electronics

• Experiments, Theory and Simulation 

• Quantum error correction and mitigation

• Quantum software and algorithms

The meeting concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions in various categories.

Excellent Paper Award

• Phase-Driving Hole Spin Qubits, Stefano Bosco, Simon Geyer, Leon C. Camenzind, Rafael S. Eggli, Andreas Fuhrer, Richard J. Warburton, Dominik M. Zumbühl, J. Carlos Egues, Andreas V. Kuhlmann, Daniel Loss, Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 197001 (Nov. 2023).

Art and Science Contest Awards

Scientific: object of study, Jury and Public Prizes

• Arianna Nigro and Nicolas Forrer (University of Basel), “Fantastic Wires and where to find them”

People, Places of Science and Scientific Art, Jury and Public Prizes

Inga Seidler and Lisa Sommer (IBM Research Zürich), ”'I'm alive!' - Schrödinger’s Cat”

Overall, the fourth Annual Meeting of NCCR SPIN fostered significant scientific exchange inspiring future advancements in spin-based quantum technology.

Quantum Industry Day in Switzerland (QIDiS) 2024

On 23rd September 2024, NCCR SPIN co-hosted the Quantum Industry Day in Switzerland at uptownBasel in Basel, Switzerland, marking the event's largest gathering to date with over 500 participants. This event continues to serve as a critical platform for fostering collaboration between academic researchers and industrial R&D, aimed at accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies.

As quantum research transitions from the lab to real-world applications, both public and private sectors are making substantial investments. Industry leaders are at the forefront of this movement, contributing the essential technologies and commercialization expertise needed to push quantum advancements forward.

The program featured insightful keynote talks, dynamic panel discussions, and ample networking opportunities. Participants explored key areas of quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum instrumentation, and quantum communication.

Key topics addressed included the upcoming International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, applications of quantum computing, migration to quantum-safe security, and the expanding role of quantum sensors. Attendees also gained insights on building a career in the rapidly evolving quantum industry.

In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of industry trends, participants had the opportunity to connect with experts, showcase their products and services, and build valuable partnerships. The Quantum Industry Day continues to be an essential event for anyone involved in the development of quantum technologies.

TechBrunch in collaboration with the Museum for Electronic Arts in Basel (HEK)

NCCR SPIN partnered with the House of Electronic Arts in Basel to conduct a workshop for quantum computing enthusiasts as part of their Tech Brunches series. These four-hour hands-on workshops aim to provide an interested audience with insights into technologies such as chatbots, cybersecurity, quantum computers, and NFTs, demonstrating how these technologies function and how they can be used creatively.

Our collaborative workshop on quantum computing came at the very end of Libby Heaney’s exhibition called “Quantum Soup”, which featured videos and installations embodying the artist’s vision of the quantum world. It took place at the HEK on Sunday, 26th May 2024 and was given by Pierre Fromholz, quantum physics theoretician at the University of Basel, and James Wootton, researcher at IBM Research Zürich working on quantum error correction. In the first part of the workshop, Pierre Fromholz gave a theoretical overview of the main principles of quantum physics, necessary to understand quantum computers’ functioning. His engaging talk was complemented by several specially crafted electronic board games designed to make complex principles more understandable. In the second part of the workshop, James Wootton gave an introduction to IBM’s online quantum computer platform, and demonstrated the principle of quantum blur, also used by Libby Heaney in some of her artworks.

The museum sold out the tickets to the workshop, highlighting the interest of broader audiences in the topic of quantum computing. The audience consisted of a diverse group of people of all ages, whether they were seeking an introduction to quantum computing for career purposes or simply driven by curiosity. Everyone showed strong interest, actively asking questions throughout and enthusiastically participating in the quantum games.

The NCCR SPIN would like to thank the HEK, and especially Isabella Maund, for the great collaboration and seamless coordination. We warmly thank Pierre Fromholz and James Wootton who dedicated their time to crafting a great introduction to quantum computing!

Silicon Quantum Electronics Workshop (SiQEW) 2024

The Silicon Quantum Electronics Workshop 2024 took place from 4th to 6th September in Davos, a little town in Switzerland most famous for its ski resort and for hosting the World Economic Forum. The Morosani Schweizerhof hosted the plenary and poster sessions, while dinners were held at the Morosani Posthotel. 
Chaired by Patrick Harvey-Collard from IBM Research Zürich, the organization team included Bence Hetényi and Felix Schupp (IBM Research Zürich), as well as Dominik Zumbühl and Maria Longobardi from the NCCR SPIN (University of Basel).
With more than 300 participants from all over the world, the workshop ran smoothly and proved to be a very successful event. It included more than 40 scientific talks and two very well attended poster sessions. The participants could network and relax around a delicious conference dinner and appreciate the mountainous area by participating to activities such as hiking or thermal baths. The conference party was a highlight of the program, where a DJ had everyone dance till the end of the night!
The next SiQEW will take place in Terranea Resort, Los Angeles, USA from 6-8^th October 2025. 

Awards

NCCR SPIN honored with the SNSF Lighthouse Award

The NCCR SPIN has received the Lighthouse Award from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) for its Outreach Canvas Grant, an educational tool that promotes scientific communication training in quantum physics for young academics. This initiative provides young researchers with opportunities to engage in public outreach and science communication programs and empowers them to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to a broader audience, fostering greater public understanding and appreciation of quantum computing. By equipping the next generation of scientists with these skills, NCCR SPIN is not only advancing scientific literacy but also promoting a culture of engagement and dialogue between the scientific community and the public.

Prof. Guido Burkard elected APS Fellow
The American Physical Society has elected Prof. Guido Burkard, Professor of Physics at the University of Konstanz, as one of its Fellows in 2024 for fundamental contributions to the theory of semiconductor quantum devices, including spin qubits, hybrid quantum systems, and two-dimensional materials. This achievement underscores the significance of his research which focuses primarily on the theory of solid-state quantum information processing and hybrid quantum systems, in addition to the aforementioned topics.

Upcoming Events

January 22-24, 2025

NCCR SPIN 2025 PhD Retreat

The 2025 NCCR SPIN PhD Retreat will take place from January 22-24, 2025 at the Ski Lodge in Engelberg, Switzerland.
 
Young researchers of our community will share their research projects, and engage with fellow researchers in the NCCR SPIN community. 
 
The NCCR will cover the cost of the school, accommodation, and all meals. Travel expenses should be covered by the participants' respective research groups.
 
Event Details:

• Dates: Wednesday - Friday, January 22-24, 2025
• Venue: Ski Lodge, Erlenweg 34-36, 6390 Engelberg, Switzerland

March 16-21, 2025 Anaheim, CA, USA

June 18-20, 2025 Pontresina

November 20-21, 2025 Basel