Quantum Processor Semiconductor Chip 2 (IMAGE)
Caption
John Nichol's research brings scientists one step closer to creating a fully functional quantum computer, a type of computer that operates on the principles of quantum mechanics. Seen here, a quantum processor semiconductor chip is connected to a circuit board. Thin aluminum wires are connected from the surface of the semiconductor chip to pads on the circuit board, which allows users to perform electrical control and readouts of the device by sending and receiving electrical signals during experiments. The researchers fabricate the device by patterning and depositing metal gates on a GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure chip. The metal gates are designed to be able to trap individual electrons in the semiconductor. They send electrical signals down to the device and change the voltage on the metal gates to perform various controls of the electrons. They also receive electrical signals from the device to help monitor the electrons' behavior.
Credit
University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster
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