InaRIS Fellow (2020-2029)

Atsushi Noguchi

Associate Professor,Graduate School of Art and Sciences, The University of Tokyo*Profile is at the time of the award.

2020InaRISScience & Engineering

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Research topics: Ultra-precise quantum manipulations for fault tolerant quantum computation

Keyword

Summary: The quantum state is so fragile that large objects that we can see do not follow quantum mechanics. One of the techniques to prevent the quantum state information from being destroyed is quantum error correction, which makes it possible to handle the state of macrosystems, such as superconducting quantum circuit based on quantum mechanics. This research is intended to develop ultra-high precision quantum control technologies to achieve quantum error correction, create an artificial quantum system with an infinite life, and increase its scale, thus realizing fault-tolerant quantum computation.

Citation

With its beginnings at the dawn of the 20th century, quantum mechanics has made significant progress over the past 100 years, exerting a major impact on our perception of the world in a wide range of scientific fields. Predictions using quantum mechanics have been verified on every scale, from elemental particles to the whole universe, thus consolidating its presence as a basic theory of physics. At the same time, quantum mechanics serves as a foundation for technologies that form the core of today’s
information-oriented society, including those for integrated electronic circuits and optical communications. Though one may not be aware of it on a daily basis, quantum mechanics has become an integral part of our lifestyle.

Meanwhile, discussions on the approach of quantum information science that applies basic principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition of quantum states, to research and development of information processing began as recently as the start of this century. Research efforts have accelerated globally, and operation tests of small-scale quantum computing units have already started. More recently, demonstration of quantum supremacy, whose performance surpasses that of existing supercomputers, has been a burgeoning topic. To do justice to the potential of quantum computers, however, it is believed to be
essential to realize fault-torelant quantum computation that implements error-resilient architecture using quantum control of a higher level of precision.

Dr. Noguchi’s research proposal addresses this challenge directly. He is ambitiously seeking to carve out the future of quantum information technologies, such as quantum computing and quantum sensing, by realizing advanced quantum control in a quantum system with higher degrees of freedom, as he pursues greater precision in the control of quantum freedom. Realization of fault-torelant quantum computation, which will not be possible without high-precision quantum control of a system with a high degree of freedom, is not only an overarching goal that would set a major milestone in quantum information science but also one of the peaks of humankind’s scientific and technological prowess in a world governed by quantum mechanics.

Dr. Noguchi has conducted a variety of physical experiments to achieve one original outcome after another, which ranges from those dealing with atomic-scale quantum systems, such as ions that are laser-cooled and trapped in a vacuum, to those analyzing millimeter-scale quantum systems, such as qubit elements realized on superconducting circuits and mechanical vibrations of semiconductor nanomechanical elements. He is one of the few young researchers in the world who has a superb command of a variety of quantum control technologies from radio waves and microwaves to infrared light and visible light over a wide range of frequencies and energy scales. In this proposed project, too, Dr. Noguchi not only aims to realize a novel quantum control technology using superconducting circuits but also plans to build a new quantum system, such as for electrons trapped in an electric field in a vacuum, and then establish a technique for controlling the quantum state with a high degree of precision.

Dr. Noguchi is a promising leader in the research of quantum control technology for quantum computation. With support from the InaRIS Fellowship Program, it is expected that he will be more productive than ever in furthering his elaborate research based on his novel ideas over the coming decade.

Message from fellow

First of all, the long-span support from the InaRIS Fellowship Program allows me to take a long-term research approach. Because it also allows me to hire postdocs and research staff over an extended period, it also serves the purpose of developing human resources. I’m affiliated with an organization called Komaba Institute for Science, where researchers from other fields gather as well. I’m looking forward to working and discussing with other researchers that I have yet to see under this program so that we can try to shape new academia together.