Project Overview

Designed and coordinated the electrical systems for a high-performance quantum research lab supporting three Bluefors dilution refrigerators, two of which were equipped with superconducting magnets. The space demanded exceptionally clean power and detailed electrical coordination to support sensitive quantum sensing and low-temperature experiments. The lab was located within an existing dark enclosure, requiring detailed planning to retrofit systems without disturbing adjacent research functions.

Role & Responsibilities

Clean Power & Grounding Strategy – Designed isolated power infrastructure including dedicated isolation transformers, EMI/RFI filtering, and isolated ground paths to ensure minimal noise transmission. A grounding study and field testing were performed to diagnose objectionable ground current and mitigate differential and common-mode noise.

Lighting System with Remote Drivers – Integrated low-noise lighting with remotely located drivers to prevent thermal and electrical interference near sensitive equipment.

Electrical Equipment Coordination – Supported precise placement and interconnection of Bluefors units and facility infrastructure, including standby power planning and conditioned power layouts.

Site Walks & Coordination Meetings – Participated in extensive on-site coordination meetings with stakeholders and trades to accommodate equipment fit-out inside a constrained dark room environment.

Key Challenges & Solutions

🔹 Electrical noise sensitivity of superconducting quantum systems
✔ Solution: Designed power distribution using clean power panelboards, isolation transformers, and shielded wiring methods to minimize power line noise.

🔹 Coordination of remote lighting drivers and thermal loads
✔ Solution: Located drivers outside the enclosure and provided adequate ventilation pathways, preserving the cold environment stability required for low-temperature experiments.

🔹 Existing shell space constraints for equipment interconnection
✔ Solution: Attended early and repeated walkthroughs to plan cable pathways, penetration points, and service access to critical equipment without disrupting adjacent systems.

Outcome & Impact

✅ Stable low-noise power infrastructure – Supported superconducting magnets and dilution fridges with clean, noise-mitigated electrical service.
✅ Space-efficient, coordinated retrofit – Successfully integrated complex lab systems into an existing dark room without modifying surrounding research environments.
✅ Research-ready lab infrastructure – Delivered a compliant, high-performing environment aligned with Bluefors specifications and end-user expectations.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Looking for a partner experienced in high-performance lab retrofits, clean power infrastructure, or dilution fridge integration? Let’s connect to discuss how NLS can support your quantum research project.

Dilution Refrigerator Lab – Northeastern University (Burlington, MA)