Aravind Nagulu, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern University, has received a $500,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to advance quantum computing hardware. His research focuses on reducing the costs and improving the scalability of quantum systems, which could accelerate breakthroughs in AI, cryptography, drug discovery, and energy research.
Nagulu’s lab is working to address key challenges in quantum computing, such as the need for extremely low temperatures. This requires integrating compact, low-power circuits into dilution refrigerators, which cool quantum chips to near absolute zero. Additionally, his team is developing time-modulated superconducting circulators to replace bulky, expensive ferrite components, enabling more efficient use of space and resources.
The project also includes educational initiatives to bridge the gap between electrical engineering and quantum computing. Nagulu plans to develop an undergraduate course that integrates circuit design with quantum systems, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. “Quantum computing is inherently interdisciplinary,” Nagulu said. “By understanding qubits from a circuit perspective, we can better address the challenges of scaling quantum systems.”
For further information, read the full announcement from Northeastern University here.
February 21, 2025
