A Hands-on Cryogenics Training Module for Quantum Engineering Students: Evaluating Superconductivity in Thin Film Materials

Superconducting materials play a pivotal role in the field of quantum information science and engineering by virtue of their unique ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance at extremely low temperatures. The critical temperature, at which a material enters the superconducting state, is a crucial parameter, often occurring at temperatures near millikelvin. In this study, we investigated various materials exhibiting superconducting properties in different cryogenic environments. Our initial examination focused on the analysis of the magnetic field generated by superconducting Yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) within a cooled bath at 77 K, utilizing an open-cycle liquid nitrogen cryocooler. Subsequently, we expanded our research to explore the superconducting properties of materials including Bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide (BSCCO) and niobium using closed-cycle Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers. The goal of this comprehensive study was to elucidate the advantages of these materials in the development of quantum devices. Additionally, our investigation incorporated both automation and hands-on training to gain practical experience in the realm of quantum devices. These efforts contribute to the ongoing work of leveraging superconducting materials and cryogenic environments to advance QISE education, thereby paving the way for the next generation of the quantum workforce.