CQE Student Feature – Jeremy Kline 

Research group name: Quantum Coherent Electronics

Research Advisor: Kevin O’Brien

Hometown, Country: Farmington Hills, Michigan

Academic History Prior to coming to MIT: B.S. in Engineering Physics, Cornell University

What brought you to MIT?

After several very enjoyable research experiences as an undergraduate, I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD and that I wanted to focus on superconducting circuits for quantum computing. The first thing that stood out about Kevin O’Brien (my current advisor) was the advising statement he had on the group website, which said that he leaves his door open for impromptu discussions and that he prioritizes group members learning how to develop their own ideas. After 2+ years in the group, I can confirm that this is accurate!

What interests you most about your research?

Quantum mechanics never stops being weird, and it feels really cool to manipulate it into solving computational problems. My current research focuses on exploiting strong nonlinear coupling in superconducting circuits for faster qubit readout and faster two-qubit logic gates. I’m excited to continue exploring the large design space of possible Hamiltonians in superconducting circuits – a space which is certainly far from fully explored, since it seems that every few months I see significant new ideas in the field. I’ve also found over the last couple years that working through the full cycle of circuit design, simulation, fabrication, and experimental testing has convinced me that building a fault-tolerant superconducting quantum computer is possible, and I’m excited to work towards that future.

What are your future plans:

I am thoroughly enjoying my current research and would like to continue focusing on quantum computing. If I had to pick right now, I would like to stay in academia and perhaps eventually apply for faculty positions.