Research into the Future of Computing
West Virginia University physicist Subhasish Mandal recently secured a National Science Foundation CAREER award to advance the development of materials essential for high-speed quantum computing. As an assistant professor within the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy, Mandal aims to engineer substances that do not yet exist in nature. These materials are intended to serve as the structural foundation for next-generation computing hardware.
Quantum technology represents a significant departure from standard binary computing. Traditional computers process information using bits that occupy a state of either 0 or 1. Conversely, quantum computers rely on quantum states capable of existing in multiple configurations simultaneously. This complexity provides immense processing potential but also introduces significant stability concerns. Quantum states remain notoriously fragile and sensitive to environmental interference, which current research efforts seek to mitigate.
Computational Design and Atomic Engineering
Mandal focuses his research on materials that can protect these delicate quantum states. His approach involves analyzing how electrons interact with atomic vibrations within a structure. These interactions directly influence quantum behavior. By mastering these variables, researchers may gain the ability to stabilize quantum hardware for practical use outside of laboratory settings. The project also investigates the concept of stacking different substances at the atomic level, effectively creating new materials with unique, engineered properties.
Simulations play a central role in this process. Mandal utilizes advanced computer methods to predict whether a specific atomic configuration will yield useful results, such as superconductivity. This state allows electricity to flow without energy loss, a trait critical to efficient quantum operations. By targeting topological quantum states that resist environmental disturbances, the team hopes to identify the building blocks required for stable quantum architectures.
Democratizing Research and Workforce Development
A primary goal of the project involves creating free software tools for the broader scientific community. This software allows researchers to simulate material performance before committing time and financial resources to physical laboratory fabrication. By identifying the most promising candidates digitally, the scientific field can accelerate the pace of discovery. This shift from physical experimentation to predictive modeling represents a change in how materials science progresses.
Education remains a core pillar of the award. Mandal plans to implement summer workshops and hands-on training for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. These sessions emphasize computer skills required for modern scientific research, advanced manufacturing, and emerging quantum industries. Maura McLaughlin, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, noted that this training provides new pathways for West Virginia students while contributing to the regional technology workforce.
Since joining the university in 2022, Mandal has established the Computational Quantum Materials Group. His work has received recognition from Nature Communications and the Research Corporation for Science Advancement. The group maintains support from multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Defense. As the field moves toward real-world application, projects like this establish the technical groundwork for technologies that may define computation for the next several decades.