Safran Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK)

The Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK) is a comprehensive control and readout system for QIS including quantum computing, quantum networks and quantum sensors. QICK is designed to generate, acquire, and process fast signals for quantum experiments.

Built on RFSoC technology, QICK bridges the gap between complex quantum hardware and fast digital control, enabling the next generation of scalable quantum experiments.

What is QICK?

QICK is an open-source, FPGA-based control platform for scalable quantum systems. It combines DACs, ADCs, and FPGA fabric in a single chip. Through a commercial partnership with Fermilab and use of Open-Source MIT License, Safran is an official QICK manufacturer.

What is it used for?

QICK is used for controlling superconducting, trapped ions, spin qubits and cold atom (AMO) qubits, performing quantum error correction and feedback, high-speed data acquisition from qubit readout, and scaling up from single qubit control to multi-channel systems. QICK is also used for time tagging for simultaneous detector readout using the digitization functional of QICK, achieving internal picosecond-level system synchronization.

Why is it necessary?

To control superconducting qubits, signals must jump in frequency while maintaining phase coherence and meeting very precise timing requirements. Similarly, the total control pulse sequence must be significantly faster than the coherence time of any qubit in the system (typically microseconds), and the latency between any two pulses must be controllable (zero latency is often required).

FEATURES

• Software programmable RF power control
• RF input and output
• Signal generation
• Pulse sequencing
• Fully programmable control and feedback
• 8 GB DDR Memory
• Trigger and synchronization
• 3rd party software integration
• Multiplexed readout