Microwave resonators are a fundamental component in quantum computers and microwave-based communication circuits and as such, are present in everyday devices such as amplifiers, tuners, filters, and oscillators. While these features can be applied to very simple applications such as car key fobs, there are far more advanced ways to apply the study of microwave resonators in the physical world such as quantum computers. In this research, the resonators of coplanar waveguides are being studied and compared to themselves before and after being exposed to Cs-137, a source with high amounts of gamma radiation. After examining the circuit’s microwave resonators and their corresponding internal quality factors, we can see the resonators shift and the internal quality factors decrease drastically. Several circuits have been used of various materials. In earlier experimentation, Titanium-Nitride circuits were printed onto intrinsic silicon wafers using photolithography. Currently, Niobium circuits are being printed onto intrinsic silicon wafers and being compared to Niobium circuits printed onto a thin layer of quartz. By exposing these circuits to extreme temperatures at about 67.5mK, one can see the resonators and measure their internal quality factors as the circuit becomes superconducting. Using superconducting microwave resonators to study radiation and materials will lead to better radiation detectors and lower decoherence in qubits.

Dr. Wisbey has been the leader of Sohm's research group for many years and has been instrumental in the development and execution of both experimentation and analysis of theories explored in this lab. Wisbey has also been influential as both an educator and mentor to Ms. Sohm, advising not only in matters of research and coursework, but of long-term career goals.