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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 Jlefebv1@terpmail.umd.edu

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.