Silicon spin qubits from laboratory to industry

Quantum computation (QC) is one of the most challenging quantum technologies that promise to revolutionize data computation in the long-term by outperforming the classical supercomputers in specific applications. Errors will hamper this quantum revolution if not sufficiently limited and corrected by quantum error correction codes thus avoiding quantum algorithm failures. In particular millions of highly-coherent qubits arranged in a two-dimensional array are required to implement the surface code, one of the most promising codes for quantum error correction. One of the most attractive technologies to fabricate such large number of almost identical high-quality devices is the well known metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. Silicon quantum processor manufacturing can leverage the technological developments achieved in the last 50 years in the semiconductor industry. Here, we review modeling, fabrication aspects and experimental figures of merit of qubits defined in the spin degree of freedom of charge carriers confined in quantum dots and donors in silicon devices along with classical electronics innovations for qubit control and readout. Furthermore, we discuss potential applications of the technology and finally we review the role of start-ups and companies in the silicon-based QC era.

Automated summary

Quantum computation (QC) is a highly challenging quantum technology that could revolutionize data computation by surpassing classical supercomputers in specific applications. To avoid failures, quantum error correction codes are necessary to limit and correct errors. Implementing the surface code requires millions of highly-coherent qubits arranged in a two-dimensional array. Metal-oxide-semiconductor technology is an attractive option for manufacturing such large numbers of high-quality devices. This review focuses on modeling, fabrication aspects, experimental figures of merit, and potential applications of qubits in silicon devices, as well as the role of start-ups and companies in the silicon-based QC era.