Quantum computing expert Michael Manfra has been named director of the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute (PQSEI), effective March 1. He is the Bill and Dee O’Brien Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and professor of materials engineering.

Microsoft Quantum published an article in Nature on Feb. 19 detailing recent advances in the measurement of quantum devices that will be needed to realize a topological quantum computer. Among the authors are Microsoft scientists and engineers who conduct research at Microsoft Quantum Lab West Lafayette, located at Purdue University. In an announcement by Microsoft Quantum, the team describes the operation of a device that is a necessary building block for a topological quantum computer. The published results are an important milestone along the path to construction of quantum computers that are potentially more robust and powerful than existing technologies.