Researchers in the Scalable Quantum Computing Group / Flux Quantum Electronics (FQE) Project exploit the macroscopic quantum behavior of superconductivity to develop cryogenic superconductive circuits and demonstrate precision measurements to assist US industry for applications in quantum computing, wireless communications, and high-speed, energy-efficient computing. Research opportunities exist in the following areas:

a. Superconductive Circuits for Cryogenic Quantum Computing: Superconductive microwave circuits (circuit QED) integrated with single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuits  for the control and readout of quantum bits to enable fault-tolerant cryogenic quantum computers.

b. Hot Qubits: Superconductive millimeter-wave circuits, qubits, and measurement systems for enabling quantum computing at higher temperatures (up to 1 K) using “hot qubits.” This goal of this work is to support the US industry in developing cheaper, cryogenic quantum computer systems with smaller physical size.

c. RF calibrations for Quantum Computing: Superconductive quantum circuits, superconductive calibration standards and measurement science (e.g. calibrating "quantum-noise-limited" parametric amplifiers), and MEMS-based cryogenic microwave switch networks to assist US companies engaged in cryogenic quantum computing R&D. 

d. Superconductive Advanced Computing: Development of superconductive devices, materials, fabrication processes, and cryogenic electrical measurements to support energy-efficient, high-speed, superconductive neuromorphic and classical digital computing.

e. RF Reference Sources for Wireless Communications: Quantum-based arbitrary waveform reference sources in the microwave- and millimeter-wave frequency bands to provide standards for current and future communication technologies (e.g., 5G  and 6G wireless).

[1] M.A. Castellanos-Beltran et al., “Coherence-limited digital control of a superconducting qubit using a Josephson pulse generator at 3 K,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 122, 2023.https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0147692

[2] L. F. Spietz et al., "Cryogenic RF MEMS Switch With Electronic Calibration Capability," in IEEE Journal of Microwaves, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 251-262, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.1109/JMW.2025.3638273.

[3] D. I. Olaya et al., "Nb/a-Si/Nb Josephson junctions for high-density superconducting circuits. Appl. Phys. Lett. 1 May 2023; 122 (18): 182601. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0148250

superconductivity; superconductor electronics; Josephson junctions; quantum computing; quantum circuits; cavity QED; AI; artificial intelligence; neuromorphic computing; rapid single flux quantum electronics; RSFQ; arbitrary waveform synthesis; microwave technology; wireless communications;

citizenship

Open to U.S. citizens

level

Open to Postdoctoral applicants