The large gold chandelier-like structure that has come to represent quantum computers in popular culture is actually just a refrigerator. The quantum computer part sits at the bottom, where temperatures are colder than the Boomerang Nebula, the coldest natural place in the known universe.

Most quantum computers need to be kept at temperatures less than 1 degree above absolute zero. That’s because the qubits these computers use for their computations, whether they’re physical atoms or engineered quantum circuits, are extremely sensitive to outside forces, including heat.

I spoke with a representative from Bluefors, a company dedicated to making the large dilution refrigerators designed to remove heat from quantum systems. I wanted to understand how they work and why this technology is needed to help deliver on the promise of quantum computing. Check out my video, embedded in this article.