SLAC Quantum Dots Aim for Mass-Producible Qubits

At SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, scientist Shannon Harvey is tackling one of quantum computing’s biggest hurdles: creating qubits that can be manufactured at scale. Harvey focuses on quantum dots, a type of qubit uniquely suited for mass production, demanding both precision and a creative approach to manipulating information. These aren’t your typical bits of data; manipulating these “zero-dimensional, information-carrying ripples in quantum space” requires a surprising blend of “mental and manual dexterity.” Harvey said that what she loves about working in quantum information is the ability to use today’s technologies to explore nature’s quantum features, something that until recently would have seemed incredible. As a collaborator with the DOE’s Q-NEXT research center, Harvey’s work aims to harness these quantum features for advancements ranging from drug discovery to secure communication. Quantum dots offer a pathway toward practical quantum computing due to their potential for…