Berkley Lab Explains How Researchers Are Building The Next Generation Of Quantum Computers

Maintaining a temperature of 20 millikelvin, approximately 0.02 degrees above absolute zero, colder than outer space, is critical for the function of superconducting quantum processing units (QPUs). Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are addressing the challenge of building a complete system around this core requirement. This effort extends beyond qubits themselves, demanding an integrated collection of hardware, software, and controls to harness quantum science for practical applications. “Making a functional quantum computer requires much more than qubits alone,” explains Chris Spitzer, operations lead at the Advanced Quantum Testbed (AQT). This collection includes a dilution refrigerator, visually resembling a golden chandelier with cables transmitting…