Materials for Quantum Computing: An Interview with Prof. Chris Van de Walle
Quantum computing is heralding a paradigm change in information and simulation technology. Perhaps more than ever before, the practical realization of this fascinating opportunity hinges on the control of materials properties at the atomic level. As a leading expert in this field, Prof. Van de Walle will provide answers to key questions concerning the actual status of this technology, the current materials, the obstacles and challenges, and the perspectives for the discovery and optimization of novel materials.
Prof. Van de Walle has been at the forefront of investigating materials issues for quantum information science. He has particularly focused on the role of defects and impurities, both as functional components for single-spin-centers or single-photon emitters, and as sources of decoherence. He is currently a Thrust Leader in the NSF-funded Quantum Foundry at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a participant in the DOE-funded Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA).
Chief Scientific Officer
Erich Wimmer received his doctoral degree from the Technical University in Vienna, Austria. As a post-doctoral fellow in the group of Professor A. J. Freeman at Northwestern University, Erich was instrumental in the development of the original FLAPW method. Prior to co-founding Materials Design, Erich managed software development and led teams at CRAY Research and BIOSYM Technologies.