Wisconsin team develops magnetic shield to protect computers and astronauts

Oct 08, 2021

A team composed of Elena D'Onghia (Astronomy), Paolo Desiati (WIPAC) and Kieran Furlong (COWS) have developed a new technology based on magnetic fields to protect quantum computers from cosmic radiation. Recently, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) patented this innovation, and the team has been awarded support from the Draper Technology Innovation Fund (TIF) for the work necessary to finalize and commercialize the concept.

The invention also has applications in space missions, in particular, to protect astronauts and instrumentation from cosmic radiation during space travels. In this context the innovation has recently attracted the attention of private companies and was discussed at the highest government levels of the USA and Italy.