Cryogenic integrated optical modulators for classical and quantum computing

In recent years, standard CMOS microprocessors have approached their maximum power dissipation per unit area, effectively placing a limit on computational power. This highlights the urgent need to explore alternative technologies. One promising avenue is the use of superconductors, which demonstrate zero resistivity below a critical temperature. However, circuits based on superconductors necessitate the use of cryostats to maintain low temperatures, presenting challenges in data transfer with the room temperature environment. While coaxial cables are often employed for this purpose, they suffer from limited data transfer rates and contribute significantly to heat load. On the contrary, photonics integrated circuits (PICs) coupled with optical fibers present a viable solution. They enable scalable, cost-effective, and power-efficient optical interconnections capable of supporting high data transfer rates while minimizing heat transfer. In this presentation, We will discuss the latest advancements in cryogenic PICs, focusing on their application in interfacing with cryogenic computing systems such as single-flux-quantum logic circuits and superconducting qubits.