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Internship in a Quantum Computing
Laboratory Jay LeFebvre123, Mentor: Ben Palmer2
Introduction: During the summer of 2013 I was able to complete my Capstone project at the Laboratory of
Physical Sciences (LPS) with Ben Palmer’s Quantum Computing research group. My Capstone project
allowed me to experience the research and development environment that I am pursuing for my career. My
Capstone project cemented my career goal to become an experimental research physicist.
Design and Fabrication: During the summer
one of the projects I worked on required the
extensive use of 3D modeling software. An
example of the output of the program is on
the left. Using this software I was able to
design custom parts for use in the lab’s
research projects. Some projects I designed
include control boxes (pictured on the right),
superconducting magnets, and Leiden
mounting pieces.
This is an accurate model
created in Autodesk Inventor of a
Leiden refrigerator, an essential
tool for the research done in the
laboratory.
Data Analysis and Programming:
Another portion of my summer was
devoted to data analysis. I was
instructed to fit data collected from
devices within the refrigerator.
Typically the procedure required 1600
data points. The purpose of my
program was to fit the data so that I
can fully characterize the curve (a
Lorentzian pictured to the right) with
30 data points. This would allow all
future data collection of the data (in
our case S21 transmission) to be
done in less measurements, yet is
more accurate because we are
measuring the important
characteristics.
This is a graphical output of the S21 fitting program.
The blue dots indicate the original set of 1600 points.
The red dots are the measurements of the 30 points
which my program identified.
Culmination of a Capstone Project: I stayed with the research group. I am currently working on similar
projects that aid in their research by designing parts and improving data analysis. I also began work on a
novel research project. I am currently working on a measurement regime which will measure characteristics
of a microwave cavity, which is a device that is used in the lab’s research. The novel technique will have the
benefit of not being affected by phase information which distorts conventional microwave cavity
measurement regimes. My Capstone experience provided practical and enjoyable experience which
assured me that I am in the right major and career path.
1 UMD Physics Dept, 2 Laboratory of Physical Sciences, 3 SDU
Have more questions? Or wish to talk more physics? Contact me at [email protected]
The results of my first design and fabrication
cycle. A breakout box that will interface with
future instruments in the refrigerator, some of
which I will design.