(MeetIQM) IQM Quantum Computers (IQM) announced today its open-source software tool KQCircuits to automate the design of superconducting quantum processors. KQCircuits is a Python library jointly developed by Aalto University and IQM using the KLayout design program.
Designing quantum processors is fundamental to build quantum computers. But it is a difficult, multi-step process that takes significant time and effort. With this initiative, IQM supports the broader quantum community by open-sourcing its state-of-the-art quantum processor design platform.
KQCircuits creates a community-driven universal platform that enables quantum chip development through a simple and open framework, from chip design and simulation to fabrication. With KQCircuits, quantum engineers and physicists can conveniently generate chip designs with a simple click. They can also check the signal routing before the device fabrication process to avoid making costly errors.
“At IQM, we’ve been using KQCircuits to design and develop our state-of-the-art quantum processors. By making it available as an open-source platform, we want to make our tools available for the entire quantum community. Using KQCircuits, researchers and companies worldwide can now focus on R&D and continue to innovate faster,” said Dr. Johannes Heinsoo, Team Leader at IQM.
KQCircuits generates multi-layer two-dimensional-geometries representing common structures in quantum processing units (QPUs). It includes:
• A framework and definitions of parametrized geometrical circuit elements
• Templates for manually drawn or code-defined circuit elements
• A method for assembling a QPU design from elements.
Also, to reduce the design turnaround time and to reduce manual errors, KQC includes helpers to export:
• Optical mask layouts and lithography patterns
• Project files for easy simulations with popular FEM software such as Ansyss HFSS, Ansyss Q3D, and Sonnet
• Netlist for SPICE simulations.