Abstract: Quantum computers promise to solve problems that are impossible for today’s machines—but there’s a catch. The quantum bits, or qubits, that power them are extremely delicate, and even tiny disturbances can make them fail. One unexpected source of trouble comes from cosmic rays—high-energy particles from space that pass straight through buildings. When a cosmic ray hits a quantum processor, it can temporarily wipe out an operation in an instant. My research focuses on making them tougher by redesigning the materials qubits are made from. The goal is simple: build quantum hardware that can survive the real world and bring quantum computing closer to solving real problems.

Bio: Yashwanth Balaji is a Project Scientist at LBL's  Molecular Foundry Division. His  research focuses on quantum computing  and understanding the mechanisms that cause quantum device failure. He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from KU Leuven and IMEC (Belgium).