Krypton gas emerges as a new ingredient for quantum computing
To commercialize quantum computing, manufacturers need high-quality superconducting materials for microchips, but they also require a reliable, sustainable nanofabrication process. Tantalum is a corrosion-resistant metal that meets the first criterion but not the second. That's because it has to be deposited on a substrate at temperatures that typically exceed 400°C (752°F)—too hot for many…
Quantum computing relies on superconductors to perform complex calculations quickly, and scientists need high-quality materials and efficient fabrication methods to bring this technology to market. Tantalum is a promising material for superconducting components, but it requires high temperatures for deposition, which many semiconductor foundries cannot achieve.
Cornell researchers have discovered that using krypton gas instead of argon in the sputtering process can lower deposition temperatures to 200°C while maintaining the material's quality. This method stabilizes tantalum's crystal phase and increases its electronic conductivity, making it more suitable for quantum devices. The resulting thin films support high-performance quantum bits, bringing quantum computing closer to commercial viability.
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