The foundation of Nakamuras success was a deep understanding not only of semiconductor crystal growth but of the machines that accomplished it. (scientificamerican.com)
Existing methods to create qubits rely on trapping atoms with lasers or manipulating nuclear spins in semiconductor crystals, among other approaches. (scientificamerican.com)
In all three cases the group started with semiconductor crystals, material with a regular atomic lattice like the girders of a skyscraper. (sciencedaily.com)