Quantumcomputing has the potential to revolutionize information processing byperforming computations beyond the reach of classical computers. This willrequire the operation of quantum processors containing millions of extremelysensitive qubits, located inside dilution refrigerators and operated at temperaturesnear 10 millikelvin. Current experimental systems, however, are limited to onlya few hundred qubits. This is due in part to the input-output bottleneck, whichgreatly limits qubit control at scale.
Cryogenic CMOScircuits, closely integrated with quantum circuits, have been proposed as asolution to alleviate this input-output bottleneck and allow for the operationof large-scale quantum processors [1]. Achieving this is especiallychallenging, due to the extremely stringent thermal and noise requirements ofquantum bits and of the cryogenic environment. Accurate temperature sensing istherefore critical for the characterization, validation and optimization of suchchips at deep cryogenic temperatures. However, conventional temperature sensorsoften lack the required sensitivity or resolution and cannot be directlyintegrated on CMOS chips for characterization.
In this Masterthesis, you will investigate CMOS-compatible on-chip thermometry techniquessuitable for millikelvin temperatures, with a focus on semiconductor devicessuch as diodes or bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) [2]. This work will consistof cryogenic electrical measurements in a dilution refrigerator, performed attemperatures down to 10 mK. It could include the development of calibration andmeasurement protocols for the accurate extraction of the local temperature atdifferent areas of a chip. The thesis aims to quantify the impact of cryogeniccircuits operating in different modes on the local temperature, both within andoutside the chip, and to assess the relevance of thermal effects for closerintegration with quantum processors.
Requiredbackground: Electrical engineering, Physics
Type of work: 20%literature, 40% measurements and experiments, 40% data analysis
Promotor: BartSoree
Daily advisors: LiamFallik, Anton Potočnik
References:
[1] Potočnik, A. How to scale theelectronic control systems of a quantum computer. Nat Electron 8, 3-4 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-024-01331-9
[2] GraysonM. Noah et. al. CMOS on-chip thermometry at deepcryogenic temperatures. Appl. Phys. Rev. 11, 021414 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0190040
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 9 months (Oct-June)
Required educational background: Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Physics
University promotor: Bart Soree (KU Leuven)
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Liam Fallik (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Anton Potocnik (< email deleted for security reasons >)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-103. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Cryogenic CMOScircuits, closely integrated with quantum circuits, have been proposed as asolution to alleviate this input-output bottleneck and allow for the operationof large-scale quantum processors [1]. Achieving this is especiallychallenging, due to the extremely stringent thermal and noise requirements ofquantum bits and of the cryogenic environment. Accurate temperature sensing istherefore critical for the characterization, validation and optimization of suchchips at deep cryogenic temperatures. However, conventional temperature sensorsoften lack the required sensitivity or resolution and cannot be directlyintegrated on CMOS chips for characterization.
In this Masterthesis, you will investigate CMOS-compatible on-chip thermometry techniquessuitable for millikelvin temperatures, with a focus on semiconductor devicessuch as diodes or bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) [2]. This work will consistof cryogenic electrical measurements in a dilution refrigerator, performed attemperatures down to 10 mK. It could include the development of calibration andmeasurement protocols for the accurate extraction of the local temperature atdifferent areas of a chip. The thesis aims to quantify the impact of cryogeniccircuits operating in different modes on the local temperature, both within andoutside the chip, and to assess the relevance of thermal effects for closerintegration with quantum processors.
Requiredbackground: Electrical engineering, Physics
Type of work: 20%literature, 40% measurements and experiments, 40% data analysis
Promotor: BartSoree
Daily advisors: LiamFallik, Anton Potočnik
References:
[1] Potočnik, A. How to scale theelectronic control systems of a quantum computer. Nat Electron 8, 3-4 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-024-01331-9
[2] GraysonM. Noah et. al. CMOS on-chip thermometry at deepcryogenic temperatures. Appl. Phys. Rev. 11, 021414 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0190040
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 9 months (Oct-June)
Required educational background: Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Physics
University promotor: Bart Soree (KU Leuven)
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Liam Fallik (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Anton Potocnik (< email deleted for security reasons >)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-103. 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.
