Ryoichi Ishihara

Associate Professor, Group leader

Qutech, Dep. Quantum and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Delft University of Technology

Ishihara-lab focuses on the integration technologies for unconventional electronic systems; quantum computers, quantum sensors, neuromorphic computers, and biodegradable sensors. Our work involves new materials, scalable fabrication of electronic and photonic devices, and 3D heterogeneous integration, aiming to realize unconventional electronic systems.

Developing a Reliability Testing Framework for Integrated Quantum Systems

Introduction and Background:

Integrated quantum systems—where quantum processors interface with classical control electronics—face unique reliability challenges. Issues like decoherence, gate errors, and non-deterministic behavior demand new testing and validation techniques that extend beyond classical reliability engineering (e.g., FMEA, accelerated life testing). Recent studies have begun addressing these challenges by modeling NISQ devices as black boxes and using circuit-level features to predict reliability. However, a comprehensive, modular framework to systematically assess the reliability of integrated quantum systems is still lacking.

Project Objectives:

• Literature Review & Gap Analysis:
  Survey classical reliability methods and quantum-specific reliability models to identify limitations and opportunities for integration.
• Framework Design:
  Define key reliability metrics (qubit fidelity, error propagation, etc.) and develop a modular testing framework that combines classical techniques (Monte Carlo simulation, fault tree analysis) with quantum circuit simulators (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq).
• Simulation & Modeling:
  Explore simulation models using circuit features (qubit count, circuit depth, gate types) and develop predictive models.
• Validation:
  Benchmark the framework on a representative quantum circuit and compare the results with existing analytical noise models.
• Documentation:
  Prepare guidelines and a final report that outlines best practices and recommendations for reliability testing in integrated quantum systems.

Expected Outcomes:

• Reliability Testing Framework:
  A modular, extensible framework tailored for integrated quantum systems.
• Simulation Models:
  Select/Identify models that use circuit attributes to predict reliability with machine–learning–based predictive tools.
• Validation Case Study:
  A detailed case study demonstrating the framework’s effectiveness in a small-scale quantum system.
• Documentation & Guidelines:
  A final thesis report and set of best-practice recommendations for future research and industrial application.

Relevant References:

1. Kapur, K. C., & Pecht, M. G. (2014). Reliability Engineering (Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management). Wiley.
2. Liu, J. & Zhou, H. Reliability Modeling of NISQ- Era Quantum Computers. 2020 IEEE Int. Symp. Work. Charact. (IISWC) 00, 94–105 (2020).
3. “Challenges in the Application of Systems Engineering to Quantum Technologies.” The IET, https://www.theiet.org/impact-society/policy-and-public-affairs/digital-futures-policy/reports-and-papers/quantum-technologies-a-new-frontier-for-systems-engineering/challenges-in-the-application-of-systems-engineering-to-quantum-technologies
4. Murillo, J. M., Garcia-Alonso, J., Moguel, E., et al. (2024). Challenges of Quantum Software Engineering for the Next Decade: The Road Ahead. arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.06825
5. Cui, L. X., Du, Y.-M. & Sun, C. P. Quantum Reliability. Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 160203 (2023).
6. Zhang, Y., & Lu, H. (2024). Reliability Research on Quantum Neural Networks. Electronics, 13(8), 1514. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13081514
7. Preskill, J. (2018). Quantum Computing in the NISQ Era and Beyond. Quantum, 2, 79. https://doi.org/10.22331/q-2018-08-06-79

Interested? Please contact Ryoichi Ishihara r.ishihara@tudelft.nl or Salahuddin Nur <S.Nur@tudelft.nl>