Design of a Thermal Conductivity Measurement Device for Cryogenic Applications; Effects and Implications of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing presents both emerging opportunities and new challenges that greatly impact the way data security is approached and handled. My capstone project involves the design and fabrication of a platform for material property measurements at cryogenic temperatures, which is essential for evolution and enhancement of quantum technologies. The research investigates innovative methods to develop a system to obtain accurate and precise measurements at extreme temperature conditions to better understand quantum behaviors on tested materials that are found in quantum technologies. My STS project evaluates the effects of quantum computing on data security by focusing on the impact quantum encryption methods have on the current classical encryption methods. The objective is to better understand how quantum encryption methods will break the current encryption methods and steps needed to be taken as a society to best prepare for a successful and smooth transition. Both projects evaluate critical information from technical and STS aspects by comparing the field of quantum computing technology with its effects on different aspects of technology. My capstone analyzes the technical aspect while the STS research investigates the impacts on society through evaluating the security with the development of the technology.

My capstone project involves designing and fabricating a platform for material property measurements at cryogenic temperatures, which are housed in an evaporation fridge capable of reaching 1 degree Kelvin. This project helps study the behavior of materials in extremely low temperature conditions where materials enter the quantum realm. This realm supports technological advancement that is utilized in quantum computing and materials science. The primary challenge in this project is to design a system that securely maintains material samples while minimizing thermal disturbance so that accurate and precise temperature measurements can be obtained while simultaneously evaluating material properties. The system's components are chosen to operate effectively and efficiently at cryogenic temperatures through careful evaluation and analysis of given constraints and requirements in an extremely low-temperature environment. The various methods implemented require extensive research of evaluating material properties at extreme temperatures, mathematical modeling and analysis, prototyping various designs, and testing individual components while the entire system integrated together to ensure both security and heat transfer efficiency. The final design was to obtain a stable system with minimal heat effects through utilizing optimal components and placement within vacuum chambers which can provide accurate data for material testing at 1 degree Kelvin. Our Capstone team constructed the Kelvin Fridge Insert in the spring semester. Testing included the heating cartridge fitting in the sample mount and properly securing it to the base plate, heating cartridge working, vacuum testing, and testing the heating cartridge with a thermocouple. The Kelvin Fridge in the physics lab was not set-up and functioning this semester, so the group was unable to test the insert at the temperature at 1 Kelvin. There is still future testing to be done and improvements to be made to the project.

My STS research paper investigates the effects and implications of data security in quantum computing by focusing on how emerging technology poses danger to current encryption methods while evaluating what measures can be taken to ensure future data security. My research question, What are the effects and implications of data security in the context of quantum computing?, assesses how quantum computing will impact data security and what steps we can take to prevent risks associated with implementation and integration of new technology into society. While conducting thematic analysis using the Actor-Network Theory to examine the technological, social, and ethical aspects of this emerging technology, I analyzed the roles of various actors, such as governments, technology companies, and researchers, in shaping the research, development, and integration of quantum technologies and their influence on data security practices. The paper evaluated both the specific and broad societal implications of this emerging technology, specifically with data security and issues with privacy issues that will continue to exponentially arise as quantum computing advances.

Through my research, I found that quantum computing poses significant risks to existing encryption methods including RSA and ECC, which highlights the need to create more secure encryption methods known as post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Lattice-based cryptography, multivariate cryptography, and hash-based cryptography are a few PQC methods recently developed that are providing potential solutions to protect data from quantum threats. The paper emphasizes the importance of a smooth transition to the post-quantum era by facilitating proactive collaboration between governments, businesses, and academic institutions. Focusing on research, accessibility, and education will ensure data security by developing a secure and trusted environment for future advancements in quantum technologies.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Technical Advisor: Ethan Scott

STS Advisor: Pedro Francisco

Technical Team Members: Matt Crowe, Quinn Early, Jaqueline Harkins, Kyle Holden,
Erik McKenna, Grace Milton, Mehki Rippey, Maddy Yates