Quantum Computer Dilution Refrigerator
Cross-section view showing temperature stages from 300K to 10mK
Room Temperature
~300K (27°C)
Control electronics
70K Plate
70K (-203°C)
First cooling stage
4K Plate
4K (-269°C)
Pulse tube cooler
Still Plate
~800mK
³He evaporation
Cold Plate
~100mK
Heat exchangers
Mixing Chamber
~15mK
³He/⁴He dilution
Base Temperature
~10mK
Quantum processor location
300K
70K
4K
800mK
100mK
15mK
10mK
🌡️ Why So Cold?
Quantum states are extremely fragile and easily disrupted by thermal energy
At 10mK, thermal noise is ~10,000× less than at room temperature
Superconducting qubits only work below their critical temperature (~1K)
⚙️ Key Components
Pulse Tube Cooler:
Reaches 4K using compressed helium gas cycles
Heat Exchangers:
Transfer heat between stages efficiently
Mixing Chamber:
Uses ³He/⁴He phase separation for ultra-low temps
Quantum Processor:
Houses superconducting qubits and control circuits
📊 Scale Comparison
10mK is colder than outer space (2.7K)
Energy at 10mK ≈ 0.86 µeV (microelectron volts)
Cooling power at base: ~20 µW (microwatts)
Hot (>70K)
Cold (4-70K)
Very Cold (<4K)
Ultra Cold (<100mK)