Mission

By linking the unique capabilities of the national labs with leading university investigators, the Quantum Science Center (QSC) is advancing the science of quantum materials, sensors, and algorithms in ways impossible through other means.

In order to accelerate innovation, researchers need new technologies to accurately predict, detect, and model complex phenomena such as energy generation and efficiency, national security, new materials discovery, and fundamental physics. This opportunity now exists by developing a new generation of technologies that exploits quantum mechanics to deliver much-needed advances in computation and sensing. The QSC located at ORNL is dedicated to overcoming key roadblocks in quantum state resilience, controllability, and ultimately the scalability of quantum technologies to realize the quantum future.

Integral to the activities of the QSC is the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers; by actively engaging students and postdoctoral associates in research activities, the Center offers a rich environment for professional development. Further, by working in close conjunction with industry from its inception, the QSC strongly couples its basic science foundation and technology development pathways to transition applications to the private sector.

Goals

Materials

The development of topological materials to overcome the fragility of the quantum state.

Algorithms

The creation and implementation of algorithms that exploit topological systems.

Devices and Sensors

The development, optimization, and demonstration of new quantum systems and supporting algorithms to measure exceptionally weak signals.

The QSC integrates research across its three thrusts to establish co-design approaches for scalable and coherent quantum information systems. This integration drives interactions between the specific aims of each thrust and establishes a co-design feedback loop. The industrial “pull” for new technologies in quantum simulation and quantum sensing in turn drives this co-design process and provides a direct path to connect these technologies to the marketplace.

For licensing inquiries please contact Mike Paulus or Eugene Cochrane.

The QSC integrates four levels of the S&T innovation chain to transition discoveries to computing and sensing systems.

Fundamental science

Basic research underpins discoveries and innovation to deliver long-term impacts

Devices

Applied science builds new paradigms and devices for next-gen quantum technologies

Prototypes

First uses drive development and feedback for improved solutions

Applications

Real-world solutions accelerate the impact of quantum tech

Systems

Technology transfer

Integration of solutions into commercial systems to bolster US economic competitiveness

Topologically protected quantum information co-design

Led by LANL’s Filip Ronning

Fundamental science

Co-design materials for anyon physics using feedback from materials and algorithms thrusts

Devices

Develop devices to probe anyons physics using feedback from materials and devices thrusts

Prototypes

Test anyon fusion and braiding using feedback between materials and algorithms thrusts

Applications

Validate non-Abelian statistics using feedback between materials and algorithms thrusts

Technology transfer

Error-resistant quantum devices

Transition discoveries in quantum materials to new qubits

Quantum simulations of scientific applications co-design

Led by UCSB’s David Weld

Fundamental science

Co-design simulation methods using feedback between materials, algorithms, and devices

Devices

Develop analog simulations using feedback between algorithms and devices

Prototypes

Test analog quantum simulation using feedback from materials, algorithms, and devices

Applications

Validate quantum simulations using feedback between materials and algorithms

Technology transfer

Quantum simulation platforms

Transition discoveries in quantum devices to new quantum computing applications

Quantum sensing for real-world applications co-design

Led by FNAL’s Daniel Bowring

Fundamental science

Co-design sensors using feedback between materials, algorithms, and devices

Devices

Develop new qubits using feedback from materials and simulations thrusts

Prototypes

Test detection of waves of dark matter between algorithms and devices

Applications

Validate surface state measurements using feedback between materials and devices

Technology transfer

Quantum sensing capabilities

Transition discoveries in sensor design to new applications in materials characterization and dark matter searches