Tandon researchers found a new way of etching critical pieces in quantum computing using ion beams that can match the quality of traditional chemical techniques, allowing engineers to experiment with new materials.

The research took place at the Tandon School of Engineering’s  Quantum NanoFabrication Cleanroom and focused on addressing longstanding challenges in etching superconducting resonators. Traditionally, etching is done either chemically or through a combination of physical and chemical methods, making it challenging to use more delicate materials.

But Tandon’s team discovered a purely physical process — an ion beam etcher —  that works with any material. Moeid Jamalzadeh, co-lead author and Tandon Ph.D. candidate, told WSN that quantum chips, in their most basic form, “are made of two layers, a non-superconducting substrate with superconducting material on top.” To make the chips, engineers conduct a fabrication method called etching by using a mask to pattern shapes into the superconducting layer.

“When people develop a new material, they face the challenge of how to actually turn it into a working device,” Jamalzadeh said. “Our method gives them the answer, a reliable way to move from material to device.” 

The finding creates a simpler path for researchers to test and apply new materials in superconductor resonators and other quantum devices, according to the Sept. 2 study. Superconductors are pivotal to quantum computing, allowing electricity to pass with zero resistance when cooled below a certain temperature.

Jamalzadeh noted the potential for this development to help in industries ranging from finance to healthcare, where the team is investigating how quantum technology can be used for magnetometer sensors for MRI machines. By rethinking how devices are fabricated, the Quantum NanoFab is building tools that highlight the role of engineering in shaping the future of quantum science. 

The Tandon team is also pursuing experiments on new superconducting materials, such as exploring how graphene, a strong semiconductor of heat and electricity, could be incorporated into quantum devices. Jamalzadeh said that for his next project, he plans to work with another Ph.D. student on voltage-tunable resonators and other quantum devices.

Contact Vaishnavi Girish at [email protected]