Why does quantum computing need special cables if it's all just electricity?

[Fam41]

MIT made flexible cryogenic cables for quantum systems. Why can't you just use regular cables at super low temperatures? What's special about quantum cables?

[ShadowPilot]

Regular coaxial cables generate heat even at cryogenic temperatures. The heat dissipation is tolerable in normal conditions but at millikelvin you can't afford any extra heat load. Every joule of heat breaks your cooling equilibrium

[Finley_19]

Flexible ribbon cables have less thermal mass and lower heat capacity than coaxial. They also have shorter thermal pathways. MIT's CryoTrace ribbon design minimizes the heat leak while maintaining electrical properties