Story perspectives

New Cryogenic Switch Enhances Quantum System Efficiency

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers from Purdue University and Menlo Microsystems report a commercial microelectromechanical switch operates reliably at cryogenic temperatures below 10 K, published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering.
The study notes a 3.1% decrease in pull-in voltage and a 15.3% reduction in on-resistance.
RF performance is favorable, with insertion loss under 0.5 dB and isolation above 35 dB.
Findings indicate these switches could simplify wiring in cryogenic multiplexers for large-scale quantum systems.

History

Historical Context

In 1960, NASA developed the first practical cryogenic refrigerator, revolutionizing low-temperature physics and enabling advancements in superconducting materials. This technology laid the groundwork for modern quantum computing systems, such as microelectromechanical switches from Purdue University and Menlo Microsystems, which operate reliably below 10 K. These innovations could significantly simplify wiring in cryogenic environments, potentially transforming quantum technology.

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Story summary

Researchers from Purdue University and Menlo Microsystems report a commercial microelectromechanical switch operates reliably at cryogenic temperatures below 10 K, published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering.
The study notes a 3.1% decrease in pull-in voltage and a 15.3% reduction in on-resistance.
RF performance is favorable, with insertion loss under 0.5 dB and isolation above 35 dB.
Findings indicate these switches could simplify wiring in cryogenic multiplexers for large-scale quantum systems.

1 / 2