SNOLAB poised to play significant role in Canada’s Quantum Strategy

Canada is in a race with the world to develop quantum technologies and transition those technologies from the lab bench to the marketplace, and SNOLAB is well-positioned to play a prominent role. With its unique facilities and expertise, SNOLAB is advancing the testing of quantum bits, contributing to the development of quantum computing, and positioning itself as an early adopter of quantum sensing technologies.

SNOLAB’s deep underground location and low-radiation environment enables a world-class astroparticle physics research program.  Working with collaborators, SNOLAB delivers large-scale, ultra-sensitive, international experiments that explore priority questions about the particles and forces that have shaped the universe.

A new collaboration between researchers from SNOLAB, the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden is investigating the impact of radiation and cosmic rays on superconducting qubits. The team of researchers plan to examine the known link between radioactivity and qubits. Recent experiments have identified that one source of qubit errors results from the impact of high energy particles such as cosmic rays which creates an “error hotspot” that can spread to neighbouring qubits, causing correlated errors in quantum processors.

This project will utilize SNOLAB’s Cryogenic Underground Test Facility (CUTE) to test qubits in a highly controlled, cryogenically cooled, and shielded environment. This unique setting will allow researchers to assess qubit performance under minimized external interference, advancing our understanding of how radiation impacts quantum systems and contributing to the development of more resilient quantum technologies.

This project will showcase SNOLAB’s facilities, technical expertise, and cryogenic capabilities to advance this research. SNOLAB’s experience working with large international collaborations and hosting large, complex experiments makes the facility an ideal partner for international research in quantum technology.

SNOLAB is developing essential partnerships needed to advance quantum technology research. These partnerships will accelerate the transition of quantum technologies from research to commercial application and cultivate the highly qualified talent at SNOLAB that will be essential to Canada’s quantum strategy.