Judy J. Cha

A quantum chip is like a layered cake: superconducting metal, a thin insulator layer, and more metal. Previously, layers were applied through a polymer mask, like a stencil for paint. The polymer left invisible droplets on the surface that degraded superconductivity and compromised cleanliness. Now, the mask is gone.

In a pool, water usually spreads in circles from a thrown stone. But if you direct the flow strictly along the rim, it will run only along the edge. Something similar has been noticed in pieces of the superconducting crystal FeTe0.55Se0.45.