The engineering and launching of Sputnik was the global scientific and technological arms race of the 1950s.
Today, it’s quantum computing.
Today’s traditional binary computing models need time to process problems. A quantum computer using quantum bits or “qubits,” will have the ability to take that same problem and process billions of “answers” not only instantaneously, but simultaneously. It will process at rates we can’t fully imagine. Even further, it will be “unhackable.”
A quantum computer will have the power to manipulate the global economy and pave the way to a new frontier that will allow mankind to communicate faster and more securely. This major scientific innovation will upturn national security and defense, medicine, energy and more, in ways the world has not yet seen.
This era’s “space race” has not only captured the interest of academic institutions and tech companies but has also become a topic of national security. In December 2018, the National Quantum Initiative Act was signed into law, dedicating $1.2 billion to quantum information science research and development.
Hubert George, Department of Electrical Engineering alum, is one of many physicists and engineers at top tech companies across the globe running the quantum computing race.
“My professional goal is to continue to have an impact in this field, and for our research team to lead the way by creating the world’s first scalable quantum computer to solve real life problems.”
George is an Integration Engineer in the Components Research sector of Intel. There, he leads the charge in creating fabrication processes for qubits, the unit of information for a quantum computer. Harnessing the most advanced tools and facilities available in the nanofabrication industry today, he's optimistic about the future of the race.
“It’s a very challenging and exciting project. Every day, I get the opportunity to apply novel engineering with a dynamic team of physicists and engineer scientists.”
George studied at the University of Notre Dame as a Research Experience for Undergraduates and Ronald E. McNair Scholar. He also earned his Ph.D. from Our Lady's University, under the advising of Prof. Greg Snider. He recalls his Notre Dame experience with gratitude.
