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Project Overview

Project Code: NAT 13

Project name:

Analyzing novel superconducting materials for superconducting qubits

TUM Department:

NAT - Physics

TUM Chair / Institute:

E23 - Prof. Stefan Filipp

Research area:

Quantum Computing

Student background:

Physics

Further disciplines:

Participation also possible online only:

Planned project location:

Walther-Meißner-Institute

Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Vera

Family name:

Bader

E-mail:

vera.bader@wmi.badw.de

Phone:

+49 (0)89 289 14202

Additional Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Lasse

Family name:

Södergren

E-mail:

lasse.soedergren@tum.de

Phone:

Additional Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Family name:

E-mail:

Phone:

Project Description


Project description:

Background:
Superconducting qubits offer a flexible platform for quantum computing, enabling the integration of different circuit designs and material systems. To push the boundaries of performance, ongoing research focuses on exploring and implementing new materials that can reduce loss and enhance coherence times. However, two-level systems (TLS), which are a major source of decoherence, remain not well understood—even in long-established material systems. Careful characterization of both new and existing materials is essential, as their microscopic properties—such as surface quality, dielectric loss, and interface defects—directly influence qubit performance. Understanding this relationship between material properties and device behavior paves the way for targeted improvements in superconducting quantum technologies.


Objectives:
This two-month project aims to characterize both established and new materials that are used for superconducting qubits by using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM),… , and cryogenic microwave measurements. A key focus is understanding and mitigating loss to improve coherence and device performance. The student will work with fabricated samples containing coplanar waveguides, resonators, and Josephson junctions.


Tasks:
Use SEM to evaluate feature fidelity, pattern edge roughness, and metal morphology.
Use AFM to quantify surface roughness, resist residue, and step height between layers.
Summarize the findings, relate them to device performance, and present the results.


Outcome:
You will gain hands-on experience with SEM and AFM in a cleanroom or characterization lab.
By combining fabrication and low-temperature data, you will gain insight into how process choices and material quality affect performance.

Working hours per week planned:

40

Prerequisites


Required study level minimum (at time of TUM PREP project start):

3 years of bachelor studies completed

Subject related:

• Basic understanding of solid-state physics and superconducting qubits
• Interest in experimental nanoscience and quantum computing
• Familiarity with cleanroom or lithography process (beneficial, but not
mandatory)

Other:

  • Keine Stichwörter