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Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics
02HGBYU, 02HGBUU
A.A. 2026/27
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Quantum computing, sensing, and metrology are emerging technologies that promise to overcome the limitations of existing approaches, thus impacting the way we handle data in a broad range of fields, from communications to medical diagnostics. The fundamental component of these technologies is the quantum bit, or qubit, which is a quantum object that contains information. With the recent progress in fabrication and characterization at the nanoscale, size at which quantized behaviors emerge, it is now possible to produce quantum systems that are well defined, highly controllable, and reproducible. To achieve this result, it is necessary to integrate theoretical and applied knowledge in materials and processes that interface micro- and nano-fabrication, surface science, and materials science within the framework of quantum information science. This course aims at introducing the student to the materials and processes needed to produce quantum systems made from superconducting circuits, semiconductors, defects, including the technologies necessary to support these processes.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The course explores the structure, characteristics, non-idealities, and models of devices for Qbit implementation. The existing technologies, both mainstream and experimental, will be detailed, and the most important parameters will be analyzed to clarify the relationship between the technology and the device behavior. The module also analyzes circuits that interface Qbits devices and their fundamental design parameters, which can be simulated using Nanoacademic's software QTCAD®. Discussions on behavior at cryogenic temperature and high frequencies will be a focus of the module as well.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Quantum computing, sensing, and metrology are emerging technologies that promise to overcome the limitations of existing approaches, thus impacting the way we handle data in a broad range of fields, from communications to medical diagnostics. The fundamental component of these technologies is the quantum bit, or qubit, which is a quantum object that contains information. With the recent progress in fabrication and characterization at the nanoscale, size at which quantized behaviors emerge, it is now possible to produce quantum systems that are well defined, highly controllable, and reproducible. To achieve this result, it is necessary to integrate theoretical and applied knowledge in materials and processes that interface micro- and nano-fabrication, surface science, and materials science within the framework of quantum information science. This course aims at introducing the student to the materials and processes needed to produce quantum systems made from superconducting circuits, semiconductors, defects, including the technologies necessary to support these processes.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The course examines the electronic systems used to initialize, control, read out, and characterize superconducting and semiconductor qubits. Other qubit technologies may be presented as optional topics. It introduces the representation and measurement of quantum states and connects qubit dynamics with the classical signals and electronic architectures required for their operation. Laboratory activities complement both parts of the course. The Nanoacademic’s software QTCAD® is used for the modelling and simulation of quantum-dot/superconducting devices. For superconducting qubits, the course covers Josephson-junction circuits, the transmon regime, microwave resonators, circuit quantum electrodynamics, dispersive readout, microwave control, and the main characterization protocols. For semiconductor spin qubits, it addresses single-electron initialization and readout through the Elzerman protocol, spin-to-charge conversion, magnetic-resonance control, readout fidelity, and exchange-based two-qubit operations. Room-temperature and cryogenic electronic interfaces are discussed in relation to multiplexing and system scalability. The course also provides the analogue and digital foundations of qubit-control electronics, including transmission lines, scattering parameters, vector network analysis, IQ modulation and demodulation, heterodyne architectures, data conversion, and multirate signal processing. The architecture of RFSoC devices is studied, and their use for qubit control and readout is demonstrated.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Expected knowledge: • Development of knowledge that extends and/or reinforces the ones received from previous Bachelor’s degree courses and allows to mature and/or apply original ideas and design methods to the development of a new technological process flow for the manufacturing of quantum devices. • Knowledge of the physical-chemical behaviour of materials to be used in quantum devices. • Knowledge of the basic technologies for micro and nano-scale fabrication. • Knowledge of materials and technologies for quantum device fabrication. • Knowledge of techniques and issues related to the fabrication and validation of quantum devices. Expected competences and skills: • Ability to identify and select the most suited materials and technologies and to apply them for the fabrication of quantum devices. • Ability to apply the acquired knowledge in a research and/or industrial framework, applying capability and skills in solving problems related to the design, simulation, and implementation of quantum devices also in the case of new or unfamiliar issues or into broader and more interdisciplinary application contexts than the pure engineering sector (healthcare, environmental monitoring, food, ...). • Ability to integrate technical knowledge into manufacturing processes. • Ability to communicate in a clear and unambiguous way technical aspects related to the design and manufacture of quantum devices, both in writing and oral form and to both specialists and non-specialists alike. • Independent learning skills that tackle the acquisition and application of know-how related to new techniques, design methodologies and fabrication processes for quantum devices, not necessarily explained and described during the course.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The student will know the main characteristics, non-idealities, and models of devices for the Qbit implementations of existing technologies. The student will know how to describe and model the Qbit devices to simulate the behavior and understand the expected performance, noise degradation, and the dependency of characteristics on technological parameters. The student will know the methods and tools associated with the real exploitation of the current technological implementation of Qbits. The student will be able to describe, model, and simulate the circuits to interface Qbit devices to standard technology to evaluate the impact of possible design parameters and choices on the Qbit expected behavior. The student will have the ability to analyze the impact of operating conditions on Qbit devices and on standard technology circuits (e.g. temperature, noise, interference, process variations). The capability to analyze and design part of a Qbits will also be an expected knowledge.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Expected knowledge: • Development of knowledge that extends and/or reinforces the ones received from previous Bachelor’s degree courses and allows to mature and/or apply original ideas and design methods to the development of a new technological process flow for the manufacturing of quantum devices. • Knowledge of the physical-chemical behaviour of materials to be used in quantum devices. • Knowledge of the basic technologies for micro and nano-scale fabrication. • Knowledge of materials and technologies for quantum device fabrication. • Knowledge of techniques and issues related to the fabrication and validation of quantum devices. Expected competences and skills: • Ability to identify and select the most suited materials and technologies and to apply them for the fabrication of quantum devices. • Ability to apply the acquired knowledge in a research and/or industrial framework, applying capability and skills in solving problems related to the design, simulation, and implementation of quantum devices also in the case of new or unfamiliar issues or into broader and more interdisciplinary application contexts than the pure engineering sector (healthcare, environmental monitoring, food, ...). • Ability to integrate technical knowledge into manufacturing processes. • Ability to communicate in a clear and unambiguous way technical aspects related to the design and manufacture of quantum devices, both in writing and oral form and to both specialists and non-specialists alike. • Independent learning skills that tackle the acquisition and application of know-how related to new techniques, design methodologies and fabrication processes for quantum devices, not necessarily explained and described during the course.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
At the end of the course, the student will be able to: - describe the operating principles and circuit models of superconducting and semiconductor qubits, including the transmon operating regime and semiconductor spin-qubit encoding - analyze the control and readout of superconducting qubits through circuit QED, microwave-driven rotations, dispersive measurement, and the main characterization protocols - explain the initialization, control, and readout of semiconductor spin qubits, including the Elzerman protocol, spin-to-charge conversion, magnetic-resonance control, readout fidelity, and exchange-based two-qubit operations - model quantum-dot devices using QTCAD® and interpret the effects of device and operating parameters on their behaviour - analyze microwave control and measurement chains using transmission-line theory, scattering parameters, vector network analysis, IQ modulation and demodulation, and heterodyne frequency conversion - describe the architecture of RFSoC-based and cryogenic qubit controllers and use an open-source framework to implement or configure basic control and readout functions.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
• Physics of technological processes • Quantum mechanics • Basic solid state physics • Quantum condensed matter physics • Elements of chemistry and materials science (acids, bases, polymers, …) • Knowledge of the micro and nano-scale characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, AFM, Raman, XRD, XPS, profilometry, etc.)
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Fundamental on the Josephson junction Fundamentals on superconductivity Resonators Technological processes for quantum bit implementation Basics on Quantum information processing Basics of digital and analog electronics Basics on solid-state devices and nanoscale phenomena
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
• Physics of technological processes • Quantum mechanics • Basic solid state physics • Quantum condensed matter physics • Elements of chemistry and materials science (acids, bases, polymers, …) • Knowledge of the micro and nano-scale characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, AFM, Raman, XRD, XPS, profilometry, etc.)
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Fundamentals of the Josephson junction Fundamentals of superconductivity LC Resonators Technological processes for quantum bit implementation Basics of quantum information processing Basics of digital and analog electronics Basics of solid-state devices and nanoscale phenomena Basics on Integrated Circuit fabrication based on Semiconductor technology
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Introduction to the course. Elements of quantum optics. Technologies for the realization of single photon sources. Technologies for the realization of quantum sensors. Technologies for photon manipulation. Technologies for the realization of qubits: fabrication and characterization of materials. Technologies for the realization of the Josephson junction, superconducting quantum interface devices, superconducting quantum bits.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Study, model, design, and characterize single Qbit elements, their control, and read-out. The leading technologies currently existing or under study will be the objective as (3.5 CFU): - Superconductive structures - Trapped ions structures - Nano Magnetic Resonance and molecules-based structures -Semiconductor Qubit: -Heterostructucture Qubit -Metal Oxide Semiconductor Qubit -UTB and UTBB Qubit - Quantum Dot structures: -Single Electron Transistor -Constant interaction model -Coulomb and Spin blockade -Stability diagrams for Qubit operations For some of the main types of Qbit realization, the focus will be on the control and readout of the Qbit through (2.5 CFU): - magnetic resonance - RF reflectometry - Josephson Junctions - Electron Spin Resonance - Electric Dipole spin resonance - Analog to Digital Converters - Digital to Analog converters - Low Noise Amplifiers - ASIC/FPGA dedicated systems A design perspective will be adopted during the study and analysis to provide methods and tools to use the knowledge in realistic cases. In all cases, the structures will be simulated where possible, and examples of control and/or measurement circuits will be implemented in practical laboratories.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Introduction to the course. Elements of quantum optics. Technologies for the realization of single photon sources. Technologies for the realization of quantum sensors. Technologies for photon manipulation. Technologies for the realization of qubits: fabrication and characterization of materials. Technologies for the realization of the Josephson junction, superconducting quantum interface devices, superconducting quantum bits.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The physical principles, models, control, readout, and characterization of superconducting and semiconductor qubits will be studied (3.5 CFU): - Qubit states, gates, measurement, and density matrices - Josephson junctions and superconducting transmon qubits - Microwave resonators, circuit QED, and dispersive readout - Semiconductor spin qubits and quantum-dot devices - Elzerman initialization and readout, spin-to-charge conversion, and charge sensing - Magnetic-resonance control and exchange-based two-qubit operations - Relaxation, dephasing, Rabi, Ramsey, and spin-echo characterization - Implications of physical processes and electronics on qubit fidelity The analogue and digital electronics required for qubit control and readout will be covered (2.5 CFU): - Transmission lines and scattering parameters - Vector network analysis - IQ modulation and demodulation and heterodyne architectures - Sampling, quantization, and ADC/DAC operation - Multirate processing and digital frequency conversion - RFSoC-based and cryogenic control architectures - Mixed-signal qubit control integration A design-oriented approach will connect physical models with realistic control and measurement systems. Laboratory activities will include quantum-dot modelling with QTCAD® and practical control and readout experiments using RFSoC platforms.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The course consists of theoretical lectures and an application part of exercises carried out in the laboratory with circuit simulator tools. The experimental exercises involve the development of an incremental model of a Qbit, including the surrounding electronics for its read-out. The number of exercises foreseen is five and are carried out in the laboratory by groups of 3 students. Each laboratory requires drafting a report which will contribute to achieving the final grade.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The course consists of theoretical lectures and exercises (70%) and laboratory activities (30%). During the 2026/27 academic year, the Qubit Electronics module will conduct a teaching pilot to launch a new training model; students will receive detailed information during the course's first class.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
The course consists of lectures covering the topics described in the Course Topics section, delivered by slides and the use of the blackboard. The slides will be made available to students in pdf format on the Internet Teaching Portal prior to each lecture.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The course consists of theoretical lectures and an application part of exercises carried out in the laboratory with the aid of circuit simulator tools. The experimental exercises involve the development of an incremental model of a Qbit, including the surrounding electronics for its read-out. The number of exercises foreseen is 5/6 and are carried out in the laboratory by a group of 3 students. Each laboratory requires drafting a report which will contribute to the achievement of the final grade.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
The course consists of lectures covering the topics described in the Course Topics section, delivered by slides and the use of the blackboard. The slides will be made available to students in pdf format on the Internet Teaching Portal prior to each lecture.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The course combines theoretical lectures with practical laboratory activities using dedicated simulation, measurement, and development tools. The laboratory exercises cover qubit-device modelling with QTCAD®, RF-component characterization, and the implementation of qubit control and readout functions on RFSoC platforms using an open-source framework. Seven laboratory exercises are planned and will be carried out by groups of three students. Each group will submit a report for every laboratory activity. The reports will contribute to the final grade.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
The lecture material (slides for the lectures) will be distributed in pdf format by the instructors and uploaded on the Teaching Portal prior to each lecture and whenever needed. Some optional additive readings (i.e., scientific literature papers, review papers, manuals, …) will be made available by the teachers on the same abovementioned repository. Suggested but not mandatory additional readings and books will be suggested by the instructors on a need basis.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Slides used in the lessons and laboratory guides are available. Books suggested are: - Quantum Computing, from linear algebra to physical realization, M. Nakahara, T.Ohmi, CRC Press, Taylor and Francys Book - Principles of Superconductive Quantum Computers, D.D. Stancil, G.T. Bird, Wiley and Sons Inc. - Quantum information and quantum optics with superconducting circuits” by Juan José García Ripoll
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
The lecture material (slides for the lectures) will be distributed in pdf format by the instructors and uploaded on the Teaching Portal prior to each lecture and whenever needed. Some optional additive readings (i.e., scientific literature papers, review papers, manuals, …) will be made available by the teachers on the same abovementioned repository. Suggested but not mandatory additional readings and books will be suggested by the instructors on a need basis.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Slides used in the lessons and laboratory guides are available. Books suggested are: - Quantum Computing, from linear algebra to physical realization, M. Nakahara, T.Ohmi, CRC Press, Taylor and Francys Book - Principles of Superconductive Quantum Computers, D.D. Stancil, G.T. Bird, Wiley and Sons Inc. - Quantum information and quantum optics with superconducting circuits” by Juan José García Ripoll
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Slides; Video lezioni dell’anno corrente; Strumenti di simulazione;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Slides; Dispense; Esercizi; Esercizi risolti; Esercitazioni di laboratorio; Materiale multimediale ;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Lecture slides; Video lectures (current year); Simulation tools;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Lecture slides; Lecture notes; Exercises; Exercise with solutions ; Lab exercises; Multimedia materials;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Modalita di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Elaborato scritto individuale; Elaborato progettuale individuale;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Modalita di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Exam: Written test; Individual essay; Individual project;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Exam: Written test; Group project;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Expected learning outcomes Understanding of the covered topics and ability to grasp the fundamental aspects of the various technologies and related materials. Ability to compare (advantages/disadvantages) the different technological tools for the manufacture of a device. Ability to compare, identify, and logically use the best technological tools to optimize the manufacturing process of a device. Ability to build a logical path by assembling the various technological processes for the construction of a quantum device. Criteria, rules and procedures for the examination The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the topics listed in the official program of the course and the ability to apply the theoretical contents for the solution of simple exercises for the assembly of technological processes. The exam is composed of two parts: 1) a report on a project carried out on a case study assigned by the instructor in class (a seminar of 10 minutes or a essay of max 3000 words); 2) a written exam involving open questions (1 open question, 3 multiple choice questions, 4 true/false questions). Each student will be asked to ascertain their knowledge on the topics studied and their ability to use this knowledge in hypothetical real-life case studies. The total allotted time is 60 minutes. No books, notes or any other didactic material is allowed. The final grade is given by the sum of the score obtained on the project/written report (16/30) and the written exam (16/30). The assessments are expressed in thirtieths and the exam is passed if the mark is at least 18/30. The maximum achievable mark is 30 cum laude. The type of proposed questions aims to test the student ability to understand and revise the topics covered in class lectures, with particular reference to the ability to compare similar technologies, compare results or processing parameters of technological processes or performance of different materials. The main evaluation criteria of the exam consist in the correctness, completeness, and conciseness of the answers to the questions and the correctness of the employed technical language. The exam results are communicated directly to the students at the end of the exam session.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The exam consists of two parts: E1 a written exam and E2 the execution of the laboratory exercises with related reports. The part linked to the laboratories (E2) weighs 20% of the final evaluation, while the oral discussion (E1) weighs 80%. The written exam will be based on questions associated with both the theoretical criteria for Qbit implementation and the practical skills associated with circuit implementation. In the laboratory reports, the completeness and accuracy of the arguments, as well as the organization and conciseness of the report, are evaluated.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Exam: Written test; Individual essay; Individual project;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
Exam: Written test; Group project;
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices)
Expected learning outcomes Understanding of the covered topics and ability to grasp the fundamental aspects of the various technologies and related materials. Ability to compare (advantages/disadvantages) the different technological tools for the manufacture of a device. Ability to compare, identify, and logically use the best technological tools to optimize the manufacturing process of a device. Ability to build a logical path by assembling the various technological processes for the construction of a quantum device. Criteria, rules and procedures for the examination The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the topics listed in the official program of the course and the ability to apply the theoretical contents for the solution of simple exercises for the assembly of technological processes. The exam is composed of two parts: 1) a report on a project carried out on a case study assigned by the instructor in class (a seminar of 10 minutes or a essay of max 3000 words); 2) a written exam involving open questions (1 open question, 3 multiple choice questions, 4 true/false questions). Each student will be asked to ascertain their knowledge on the topics studied and their ability to use this knowledge in hypothetical real-life case studies. The total allotted time is 60 minutes. No books, notes or any other didactic material is allowed. The final grade is given by the sum of the score obtained on the project/written report (16/30) and the written exam (16/30). The assessments are expressed in thirtieths and the exam is passed if the mark is at least 18/30. The maximum achievable mark is 30 cum laude. The type of proposed questions aims to test the student ability to understand and revise the topics covered in class lectures, with particular reference to the ability to compare similar technologies, compare results or processing parameters of technological processes or performance of different materials. The main evaluation criteria of the exam consist in the correctness, completeness, and conciseness of the answers to the questions and the correctness of the employed technical language. The exam results are communicated directly to the students at the end of the exam session.
Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices/Qubit Electronics (Qubit Electronics)
The exam consists of two parts: E1 a written exam, and E2 the execution of the laboratory exercises with related reports. The part linked to the laboratories (E2) weighs 30% of the final evaluation, while the written exam (E1) weighs 70%. The written exam will be based on questions associated with both the theoretical criteria for qubit implementation and the practical skills associated with circuit implementation. The written exam could also include questions related to the laboratory activities. The written exams include the topics covered in the Qubit Electronics course and the section related to semiconductor qubits in the ‘Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices’ course. Therefore, in the combined exam, the section ‘Materials and Processes for quantum sensing, metrology and qubit devices’ will account for 5/12 of the final mark, whilst the ‘Qubit Electronics’ section will account for 7/12 of the final mark. In the laboratory reports, the completeness and accuracy of the arguments, as well as the organization and conciseness of the report, are evaluated.