Fault-tolerant quantumcomputing requires quantum-error-correction (QEC) protocols that encode high-fidelitylogical qubits from many noisy physical qubits. These protocols typicallyassume that physical errors are uncorrelated. However, this assumption maybreak down in solid-state qubit platforms where qubits are arranged inextremely dense geometries. In gate-defined quantum-dot spin qubits, localizedcharge defects or fluctuators can perturb multiple qubits simultaneously,potentially generating spatially correlated errors and undermining QECperformance [1].
This thesis aims toquantify the spatial correlation length scales of charge noise in large,densely packed quantum-dot arrays. The work involves optimizing an existingmillikelvin measurement setup for multi-channel charge-noise spectroscopy usingquantum dots operated in transport (single-electron transistors, SETs). Byenabling parallel readout of multiple sites, the setup will allow directmeasurement of correlation functions across the array. These experiments willbe performed on a state-of-the-art two-dimensional quantum-dot array fabricatedusing imec's advanced spin-qubit technology platform [2]. The results willprovide valuable insight into the nature of correlated noise in semiconductorqubit processors and support the development of scalable, fault-tolerantquantum computing architectures.
[1] Yoneda, J. etal. Noise-correlation spectrum for a pair of spin qubits in silicon. Nat.Phys. 19, 1793-1798 (2023).
[2] Steinacker, P. etal. Industry-compatible silicon spin-qubit unit cells exceeding 99%fidelity. Nature 646, 81-87 (2025).
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 10 months
Required educational background: Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics
University promotor: Kristiaan De Greve (KU Leuven)
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Jacques Van Damme (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Kristiaan De Greve (< email deleted for security reasons >)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-094. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
This thesis aims toquantify the spatial correlation length scales of charge noise in large,densely packed quantum-dot arrays. The work involves optimizing an existingmillikelvin measurement setup for multi-channel charge-noise spectroscopy usingquantum dots operated in transport (single-electron transistors, SETs). Byenabling parallel readout of multiple sites, the setup will allow directmeasurement of correlation functions across the array. These experiments willbe performed on a state-of-the-art two-dimensional quantum-dot array fabricatedusing imec's advanced spin-qubit technology platform [2]. The results willprovide valuable insight into the nature of correlated noise in semiconductorqubit processors and support the development of scalable, fault-tolerantquantum computing architectures.
[1] Yoneda, J. etal. Noise-correlation spectrum for a pair of spin qubits in silicon. Nat.Phys. 19, 1793-1798 (2023).
[2] Steinacker, P. etal. Industry-compatible silicon spin-qubit unit cells exceeding 99%fidelity. Nature 646, 81-87 (2025).
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 10 months
Required educational background: Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics
University promotor: Kristiaan De Greve (KU Leuven)
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Jacques Van Damme (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Kristiaan De Greve (< email deleted for security reasons >)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-094. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
- resume
- motivation
- current study
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
