Devin Underwood: BS in Physics and Mathematics, PhD in Electrical Engineering
Devin Underwood stands in front of IBM Quantum System 2, a modular quantum system that supports three Heron quantum processors and is arguably the world’s most advanced quantum computing system. A key function of the modular architecture is to promote quantum-centric supercomputing, in which the quantum computer is paired with high performance classical computing resources. The Quantum System 2 is located at the IBM Watson research headquarters in Yorktown-Heights, New York. Find more details at this link: ibm.biz/BdmucT. Photo by Kristan Temme, Quantum Photography.
When he arrived at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Devin Underwood had no plans to study physics. “My primary motivation for going to River Falls was that it had an excellent reputation as a hockey school,” he says.
Aside from being a competitive hockey player, Underwood had an interest in engineering. But it was a class with Earl D. Blodgett, then a professor at River Falls and the current historian for the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma, that sparked Underwood’s enthusiasm for physics. Blodgett was a particularly compelling instructor, Underwood says. “His overall excitement made me want to learn more.”
Underwood double majored in physics and mathematics and went on to earn his PhD in electrical engineering and applied physics from Princeton University. Today, he’s an experimental physicist at IBM, where his research focuses on quantum computing. “It’s a very exciting field to be in,” he says.
Underwood became interested in quantum information technology while working with Andrew Houck, his graduate advisor at Princeton and a leading expert in the field.
“I’ve always enjoyed building big experiments,” Underwood says. “I was drawn to the quantum computing research lab because I was excited about the opportunity to build new experiments in a very low temperature environment, and to work in a field that could one day revolutionize computation.”
Working in circuit quantum electrodynamics, Underwood learned about the fundamental interactions between light and matter. It felt like fun at the time, he says—but it proved to be much more. “Looking back, that fundamental knowledge has become the foundation for today’s superconducting qubit quantum processor technology.”
After earning his PhD, Underwood found himself gravitating toward industry research positions, excited about the size and scope of their quantum computing projects. With more resources available, Underwood could feed his enthusiasm for building large quantum computing experiments. This possibility led him to IBM.
“IBM research has a rich history of innovation and discovery in the domain of computation,” he says. “As an IBMer, I find my passion for building experiments aligns well with the company’s goal to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer.”
In his current role, Underwood leads an effort to develop custom qubit control electronics that operate within the cryogenic environment, colloquially known as cryoCMOS.
“To realize this technology, I work with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and physicists to make the electronics smaller and less power hungry while simultaneously being able to perform all the functions required by the quantum computer,” he says. “We believe this technology is necessary to yield larger and more reliable quantum computing systems. Ironically, my desire to build a bigger experiment has led me down a path toward developing smaller electronics.”
Working with a talented team from various backgrounds, Underwood relies heavily on his physics education. “By focusing on the fundamental aspects of technical problems, I can bridge the gap between disciplines,” he says. “In many cases, solutions are driven by basic physics intuition, and I contribute to the team by communicating that intuition.”
Underwood says discovery is at the heart of his work, and arriving at moments of clarity is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. But working through difficult problems can often take months or even years. That’s why students should pursue the fields they’re most passionate about, he says.
“At the end of the day, you always take your science home with you. I’ve found great joy in studying physics and becoming a physicist, and it’s been a very fulfilling career choice. But I’ve also come to appreciate that physics skills are broadly valued across industries and disciplines.”
Even for those who choose to transition away from science, Underwood says a physics background—and the intuition that comes with it—allows for making connections that may not be obvious to others.
“Physics is more than just a discipline,” he says. “It is a mindset. It is a way of thinking.” //
