UKRI-2988 Vector Network Analyser - For the Superconducting Circuit Team

The UK's National Quantum Computing Centre aims at building quantum computers which will be made available to end users. Among others, one of the hardware platforms we are developing is based on Superconducting (SC) quantum bits (qubits), which form part of a superconducting quantum state circuit. Superconducting circuits are macroscopic in size and individually form a quantum state, but have quantum properties based upon quantized energy levels, superposition of states, and quantum entanglement, all of which are more commonly associated with atoms.

The National Quantum Computing Centre seeks to enhance the UK’s global leadership in quantum computing, to help translate UK research strengths into innovation, and enable the creation of the first generation of quantum computers, helping to build a resilient future economy.

The NQCC is the first UKRI Centre funded directly by UKRI, and is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scaling – technological and user adoption. The NQCC delivers quantum computing for the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), which has already established the UK as a quantum technology global leader. Through its combined £1bn of public and private sector investment over 10 years (2014-2024), the programme will develop and deliver quantum technologies across the areas of sensing, timing, imaging, communications and computing.

The NQCC is pursuing two primary platforms of quantum computing, one based on superconductors and one based on trapped ions, as these are currently the most mature.

This tender will involve the purchase of at least two and up to four Vector Network Analysers (VNAs) for the NQCC.