Fort Lewis College is making quantum computing and nanotechnology big – at least, metaphorically.
The college, which was given a portion of a $127 million federal and state Elevate Quantum Tech Hub workforce development programming grant in 2024, held its second quantum computing and nanotech workshop this week for high school and FLC undergraduate students – one of several initiatives the grant has made possible.
The grant has also funded future research projects at FLC, compensated student positions in the nano lab, and made possible the purchase of an optical tweezer device – a laser system that traps and moves microscopic particles using light.
Jeff Jessing, professor of physics and engineering at Fort Lewis College, said nanotechnology studies and quantum computing – and, by extension, the work being done at the FLC nano lab – can have a significant impact on the world.
“This emerging technology, if it comes to fruition, probably will change the world … like dramatically change the world,” he said.
Quantum computing has the potential to impact a range of fields by helping the design of new medications through molecular studies or optimizing supply chains for companies, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The FLC nano lab includes a range of high-tech, high level machinery, including microscopes; a Denton vacuum, used to vaporize materials to coat substrates such as silicon wafers with a thin layer of metal or other substances; and a tube furnace, used to grow thin oxides and to introduce impurities or dopants that affect the conductivity inside silicon – all devices that are impressive for a rural college to have, Jessing said.
“Most people in Durango have no idea that we have these facilities here,” he said. “... Southwest Colorado is kind of isolated from the rest of the state and the technology centers, and for us to get a little piece of that pie (through the grant) kind of brings quantum (studies) and relevancy … to our little neck of the woods.”
FLC senior Gray Mason, who works in the school’s nano lab and helped instruct students in this summer’s workshop, said seeing the excitement on the students’ faces is a highlight of the experience.
“They’re just genuinely enthusiastic about what we’re doing, and taking time out of their summer to come spend it with us, (which) is really special,” he said. “It seems like the high schoolers appreciate that they get to come in and get hands on with the equipment and learn about the processes that we’re doing in there.”
Mason said he’s felt entrusted with meaningful research.
“Each of the student researchers has a priority that they’re working with in here, and we do kind of get to be the authority of the specific machines over the summer,” he said. “It feels really good to be able to kind of take charge, and own it.”
Incoming Durango High School freshman Carson Price was one of the attendees at this summer’s four day workshop. He said he’s enjoyed the hands-on engineering work he’s been able to do throughout the 8-hour days at the lab, and plans to bring that knowledge into his future engineering endeavors.
“My favorite part would probably be the process of making a wafer, seeing what could happen and what not to do, and learning some history on computer engineering,” he said.
Price is not referring to baking when he says “wafer” – he’s referencing an ultrathin, circular piece of semiconducting material that acts as the foundational element used in electronics to build integrated circuits. Working on building wafers is one educational element of many included in the workshops.
The four-day learning experience combines software and algorithm education led by Matt Welz, associate professor of physics and engineering, and hardware, physics and nano lab work led by Jessing. Students are able to get hands-on experience with lab equipment; learn the basics of quantum mechanics; view demos on spectroscopy and superconductors; and work on building their own work, like Price’s wafer.
“We’re trying to keep it very engaging,” Jessing said. “It’s not just sitting there listening to someone talk about quantum mechanics. ... We’re spending at least half of every day in the nano lab with them, so they suit up, they put the clean room garb on, and they go in there.”
Jessing has plans for future grant fund uses, including a project involving building Josephson junctions, the key components used in many superconducting quantum bits, or qubits, entirely on campus, and continuing to provide educational opportunities to any local high school or college students who want to learn more about the world of quantum computing and nanotechnology.
“We will provide opportunities to any student that wants to get involved in our program,” he said. “We’ll get them involved with a high‑impact experience – (and) most schools can’t say that.”
Overall, the work happening in the nano lab, and the impact of the grant, illustrates how FLC punches above its weight, he said.
“I still think we all feel like the community doesn’t really understand what a rigorous program we have here,” he said. “This building is stacked. I mean, we have incredible facilities. I’ve taught at other places, and (the) engagement here is incredible for undergraduates. … We’re providing incredible experiences for our students.”
epond@durangoherald.com
