Quantum Computing and Quantum Dot Cellular Automata (QCA) Nanoelectronic Devices, Circuits, Systems and Their Applications

A special issue of Electronics (ISSN 2079-9292). This special issue belongs to the section "Circuit and Signal Processing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2026 | Viewed by 76

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Electronic & Electrical Engineering Division, School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
Interests: computational nanoelectronics; quantum transport in semiconductor devices; quantum dot cellular automata (QCA); quantum control theory; signal processing

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Guest Editor
Computer Science Division, Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise, University of Chester, Chester CH1 4BJ, UK
Interests: formal methods; human–agent–robot simulation; simulating human workload; artificial intelligence; machine learning

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Guest Editor
Electronic & Electrical Engineering Division, School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
Interests: nanocomputing; quantum dot cellular automata (QCA) nanotechnology; QCA computing circuits; QCA systems; energy efficient integrated circuits; CMOS technology; VLSI circuits; MEMS inertial sensors design; uncooled thermal detectors design

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As we enter the era of quantum and nanoscale computing, there is a growing demand for novel computational paradigms that go beyond the limitations of traditional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based technologies. CMOS technologies face fundamental physical limitations due to excessive power dissipation and leakage currents caused by quantum mechanical tunnelling. Therefore, a replacement/supplement is vital for the continued success of the electronics industry, which relies on chips. This Special Issue focuses on two of the most promising approaches within nanoelectronics: quantum computing and quantum dot cellular automata (QCA). These technologies represent the frontier of low-power, high-speed, and ultra-dense electronic systems, with potential applications ranging from next-generation central processing unit (CPUs) and embedded systems to artificial intelligence and cryptography.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers, engineers, and practitioners to present their latest research advances in the design, modelling, fabrication, testing and application of quantum computing and QCA-based nanoelectronic devices, circuits, and systems. We welcome original research articles, review papers, simulation studies, and experimental results that contribute to the understanding and advancement of these cutting-edge technologies.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Quantum computing architectures, algorithms, and error correction methods within nanoelectronic platforms;
  • Nanoelectronic quantum logic gates, qubit systems, and physical implementations;
  • QCA-based logic design, memory, arithmetic units, and processors;
  • Hybrid architectures integrating quantum computing and QCA;
  • Design automation and simulation tools for nanoelectronic quantum computing and QCA circuits;
  • Clocking, layout, and optimization techniques for nanoscale systems;
  • Fault-tolerant, reversible, and energy-efficient computing using QCA or quantum computing circuits;
  • Modelling and fabrication techniques for QCA devices and quantum computing systems;
  • Application of QCA and quantum computing in cryptography, machine learning and digital signal processing systems;
  • Performance analysis and benchmarking of QCA and quantum computing technologies versus classical approaches;
  • Future directions in post-CMOS technology, nanoelectronic quantum computing and QCA paradigms.

This Special Issue seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical innovations and practical implementations in nanoelectronic quantum computing and QCA systems. Interdisciplinary contributions that span materials science, chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, and computer science are especially encouraged.

Dr. Gerard Edwards
Dr. Richard Stocker
Dr. Mohammed Alharbi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • quantum dot cellular automata
  • QCA devices
  • QCA circuit design
  • QCA architecture
  • QCA applications
  • nanoelectronic quantum computing
  • quantum computing with quantum dots
  • nanocomputing
  • nanoelectronic qubit systems
  • nanoelectronic quantum computing applications

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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