Alp Sipahigil (Advisor)

Classical computing relies on large arrays of robust miniaturized bits. Similarly, the development of useful quantum computing requires millions of low-footprint error-tolerant qubits. Current state-of-the-art superconducting qubits are not compatible with this approach as they rely on large device areas to increase qubit lifetimes and reduce noise. This limits the practicality of building a scalable superconducting quantum computer given size constraint. We explore an alternative to this limitation, where we predict both orders-of-magnitude reduction in qubit footprint and...

Silicon, a mature platform of modern semiconductor technology, is also emerging as a versatile host for quantum and nanoscale systems. In addition to its low-loss and low-noise properties, silicon can host defects that provide localized states with rich electronic and mechanical responses. In this project, we investigate defect-mediated electromechanical coupling in silicon, where lattice imperfections act as active media connecting electrical and vibrational degrees of freedom. By fabricating high-quality mechanical and superconducting resonators on silicon, we probe how defects influence...