Rodgers RLE Laboratory Use Cases

Using 3D Printing for Quantum Education

Yong Hu, Steven Nagle, Yuqin Duan, Hanfeng Wang, and Dirk Englund from MIT’s Research Laboratory of Electronics leveraged the T.J. Rodgers Laboratory to develop detailed 3D models of atomic defects in diamonds and silicon. These defects, known as color centers, are critical components in quantum technology, serving as qubits. Traditional visualization techniques were inadequate for capturing the complex structures of these defects, hindering both research and education. The team employed advanced polyjet 3D printing technology to create multi-material, multi-colored models, making these quantum structures tangible and interactive. This innovative approach allowed students and researchers to physically manipulate and explore the models, bridging the gap between theoretical quantum mechanics and practical understanding.

These 3D models were integrated into MIT’s “6.2410 – Laboratory in Quantum Systems Engineering” course, significantly enhancing students’ grasp of quantum defects and their properties through hands-on experiments. The project received positive feedback for its ability to demystify complex quantum concepts, fostering deeper comprehension and innovative problem-solving skills. Future plans include developing more advanced models with interactive components, creating augmented and virtual reality curricula, and collaborating with educational institutions to broaden the impact of these 3D-printed tools. This initiative not only advances quantum education but also sets a precedent for making sophisticated scientific concepts more accessible and engaging.

Fabricate custom PCB for heterogeneous computing

Here, Qiuyuan Wang works on designing and demonstrating a novel computing system based on stochastic magnetic tunnel junctions (sMTJ). By integrating sMTJ into CMOS and memory circuits, unprecedented computing performance can be achieved. However, it is challenging to experimentally demonstrate a computing system based on sMTJ due to the low breakdown voltage, small resistance changes, and high transition speeds of these nanoscale devices. A custom PCB with robust ESD protection and readout performance is required to replace the typically bulky equipment used for system-level demonstrations. For prototyping, test PCBs are fabricated in Rodgers’ lab using the LPKF laser cutter tool (Fig. 1) to compare different designs.

Assembly and Tests of Sub-THz Chip Control PCBs

Researchers Xibi Chen and Byran Huang working with Professor Ruonan Han of the Teraherz Integrated Electronics Group are rapidly prototyping motherboard designs for sub-THz imaging systems in the Rodgers RLE Lab. Byran Huang utilizes the Metcal CV-5200 equipped soldering stations and the ATCO PRO 1600 SMT Reflow Oven to assemble MCU-based control systems for the large scale antenna array. The board design includes a dual high-speed SPI chip programming system, a high-power adjustable clock generator, and a high-current low-voltage DC-DC converter. The reflow ovens follow an accurate heating cycle for the Chip-Quik solder paste for fine-pitched ICs. RF performance was also analyzed with a Keysight N5247B PNA-X Network Analyzer.

Prototype and Fabricate a Microfluidic Control Module

Fan Xue, working with Professor Joel Voldman from the Biological Microtechnology and BioMEMS Group, is using the Stratasys J5 Medijet printer in the Rodgers Lab to prototype and fabricate a microfluidic control module that is capable of storing and supplying fluids to microfluidic inlet ports for constant-rate gravity-driven flow. The intricate, high-resolution design features are hard to realize using conventional 3D-printing or CNC machining methods. Thankfully, the Stratasys J5 printer in the Rodgers Lab provides this capability, leading to the successful printing of small-diameter and wall thickness tubing structures that are air-tight.

Rapid Prototyping of a Superconducting Quantum Device Package

Professor Kevin O’Brien and his Quantum Coherent Electronics Group utilize the Rodgers RLE Lab to develop better high-frequency microwave packaging for superconducting quantum devices. Jennifer Wang is targeting two performance ranges in the work shown here: 1) Mode free operation below 20 GHz for qubit-frequency operation, and 2) Mode free operation in the K band (18 – 27 GHz) for the Project 8 Experiment. Their design goals include modularity, custom chip and via placement, and compensation structures to improve wirebond impedance matching. Jennifer and her colleagues use the LPKF Protolaser U4 to precisely structure copper on Rogers laminates, to drill 300 um diameter vias, and to precisely structure solder masks so that the launch of the RF connector is properly aligned to the copper pad on the board. They utilize sanding, polishing and lapping supplies to provide a copper finish that will accept an Al wire bond. Finally, they use solder paste dispensing and reflow oven equipment to complete the PCB before wire-bonding elsewhere.

Contributions of peripheral organ signaling to brain function and behavior

To better understand gut–brain communication, researchers Atharva Sahasrabudhe and Rajib Mondal, working with Professor Polina Anikeeva in the Bioelectronics Group, are using the Rodgers lab to prototype key portions of novel implantable electronics and neural probes. They utilize the LPKF Protolaser U4 to structure 9 um copper on 25 um polymide into highly conformable, stretchable, and implantable electronics. They use the Stratasys J5 Medijet to produce molds for encapsulating their implantable devices in protective elastomer. They also utilize Rodgers CAD workstations and inspection equipment to rapidliy iterate new electronics designs and to evaluate the quality of their devices once fabricated.

Equipment support through Yankee ingenuity

Inside an M Squared SolsTiS titanium sapphire laser tuning cavity, a piezo motor is actuated to rotate the birefringent filter for a rough wavelength selection. The software control page reported motor referencing failure. The M Squared control box output voltage sequences appeared to be fine when disconnected from the piezo motor and measured with an oscilloscope. But when connected to the piezo motor the output appeared to be overloaded by the piezoelectric capacitance.