Ebrahim Forati (’14 PhD, electrical engineering) was among the many researchers behind Google’s Willow, the most advanced quantum computing chip to date. This breakthrough paves the way for lightning-fast quantum computers, which operate on the principles of quantum mechanics – how matter behaves at the atomic scale.
Traditional computers process information using bits, which exist in a physical state of either “0” or “1,” akin to “on” or “off.” Quantum computers, however, use qubits, which can exist in a superposition of states, enabling them to perform calculations on multiple solutions simultaneously. Quibits are key to the speed of quantum computers.
Until now, however, quantum chips have been highly prone to errors. The research behind the new chip significantly reduces the error rate. Google claims that its new chip can solve problems in five minutes that would take today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years to complete.
The findings, published in the journal Nature in December 2024, have been widely covered by outlets like the BBC, The New York Times, and Scientific American.
Forati has been with Google’s Quantum Computing division since September 2021, specializing in electromagnetism – important because qubits are controlled through magnetic fields. Willow isn’t perfect. A practical quantum computer would require even lower error rates, and the Willow chips also must also be stored at ultra-low temperatures.
In this Q&A, Forati discusses his role in this breakthrough work and why he chose UWM for graduate school.
I realize the coauthors list is quite long, but how does it feel to be a part of this work?
I feel fortunate to be part of this team, which includes many experts, particularly in the areas of my interest. The team is driven by a shared mission to develop a tool with ground-breaking potential.
Can you briefly explain the specific part that you worked on?
Yes, I was an electromagnetic engineer on the processor design team. (I’m on a different team now.) I was mostly responsible for the electromagnetic modeling of this device and its preceding test devices, along with a few team members. This step is essential for predicting the device’s behavior and interpreting its measured results. The insights gained are then used to refine the design and iterate until the measured results meet the desired criteria.
Why did you choose to study at UWM for your PhD?
It was mainly because of my passion for becoming an expert in electromagnetics. The electrical engineering department at UWM had several faculty members conducting research relevant to this field. In particular, Professor George Hanson (now emerit) is highly regarded for his significant contributions to electromagnetics. It was a privilege to complete my PhD under his mentorship.
How did your years at UWM prepare you to get to this point in your career?
It significantly broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of my field, thanks to the professors in the department and collaborations with fellow graduate students. I was also surrounded by a community of friends at UWM, many of whom I remain connected with today. We continue to support each other professionally, including in career decisions.
From this point, do you have a guess as to when the next breakthrough in quantum computer chips will come?
The anticipated breakthroughs align with the milestones our team has set for this goal. The next milestone is the development of a long-lived logical qubit (Google Quantum AI Roadmap). While I cannot provide an exact timeline, it is a matter of years.