Fatima Toor, University of Iowa’s Lowell G. Battershell Chair in Laser Engineering, has received a $999,985 grant to bring next generation computing closer to reality. 

Quantum computing allows the tackling of complex calculations – numerous possibilities at once – that are beyond the reach of traditional computer processors, such as those found in laptops and smartphones. 

The field of quantum information science and engineering (QISE) is seen as critical for the future with a significant impact on U.S. scientific, economic, and national security infrastructures. Yet, gaps remain in making quantum computing a practical resource. 

“The building blocks of quantum computers are qubits,” said Toor, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and faculty affiliate of the Iowa Technology Institute. “These qubits are typically based on superconducting materials that operate best at really low temperatures - liquid helium (He) temperatures - in a dilution refrigerator.” 

Even a small energy disruption caused by stray infrared light can leak heat into the refrigerator adding significant noise to qubit operations and their response times, Toor said. 

Funded through the Department of Energy’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, the focus is building novel metamaterial coatings that can adhere to multiple layers inside the dilution refrigerator, to minimize IR photon leakage, and potentially increase the coherence times of qubit operations.

“This research project directly impacts the QISE industry by bringing quantum computers closer to practical applications with improved signal-to-noise ratio,” Toor stated, adding project funding will also support workforce training to support the industry. 

The project was part of a distribution of $36 million for 39 research projects in 19 states under EPSCoR.