JILA Science Seminar

Abstract: Fault-tolerant quantum computation requires further advances in lowering physical qubit error rates in scalable architectures. In this talk, I will present our work on superconducting quantum devices to reduce error rates and resource overheads in processors.  I will discuss how defects and interfaces in silicon limit superconducting qubit performance. I will present our discovery of interface piezoelectricity at a superconductor-silicon junction and the impact of this effect on superconducting qubits.

Abstract: Engineered quantum systems, encompassing artificial mesoscopic structures governed by the principles of quantum mechanics, represent a cornerstone of modern quantum science. Notable examples include superconducting circuits, ultracold trapped atoms and ions, as well as electro and optomechanical systems. These systems are not only fascinating from a fundamental physics perspective but also serve as essential building blocks for technological applications.

Many-body localization (MBL) is a many-body quantum phenomenon that fails to thermalize under strong disorder. While experimental work on optical lattice systems suggests the existence of a MBL phase in 2D, there have been challenges regarding its existence in two dimensions. The main challenge of MBL in higher dimensions is an avalanche instability: rare regions of weak disorder can act as a thermal bath, which eventually thermalizes the entire system.

Abstract: Quantum processors have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of quantum systems. In particular, the programmability of digital quantum devices can enable access to highly tunable quantum dynamics and observables. The central challenge, however, is suppressing errors, making quantum error correction essential for large-scale algorithms.

Abstract: Optical tweezer arrays of laser-cooled molecules are an emerging platform for quantum science, combining the rich internal structure of molecules with the versatile microscopic control and detection capabilities of optical tweezers. In recent years, our lab has helped push the frontier of quantum control in this platform, demonstrating high-fidelity single-molecule imaging and state preparation, coherent control at both the single and two molecule level, and deterministic entanglement between individually prepared molecules.

Abstract: The evolution of plasma environments is defined and governed by balances between ionizing processes, chemical rearrangements, and neutralisation reactions such as mutual neutralisation (MN). Measuring and explaining these processes in detail is fundamental to understanding and modelling non-local thermal equilibrium environments, such as atmospheric plasmas.

Please join us Monday, July 14 for a talk from Cornell group visitor Heleen Mulder. Heleen is a PhD student working on theoretical particle physics with Jordy de Vries at Nikhef in Amsterdam and a member of the NLeEDM collaboration.

Fermionic quantum simulators provide a powerful platform for exploring high-temperature superconductivity, topological phases, and many-body dynamics—challenges that persist even with the advent of qubit-based quantum computing. In this talk, I will present recent results from our high-repetition-rate fermionic quantum gas microscope, which is optimized for rapid data acquisition. Fast cycle times on the order of a few seconds are achieved through high-power optical traps, rapid evaporative cooling, and efficient spin-resolved fluorescence imaging.