DQC supports research communities united by expertise and interest in areas across quantum information science and engineering. Our center's researchers specialize in quantum computing, quantum simulation, and applications driven by carefully-engineered quantum systems. Our faculty lead two major federally-funded research initiatives, and co-lead two centers with institutions across the country. Each team has developed a vibrant program that promotes research, education and outreach addressing fundamental, translational, and workforce challenges in QISE.
Research Programs and Centers
The NSF STAQ program is a unique quantum computer research activity that designs, runs, and optimizes quantum algorithms on quantum computer systems. STAQ is currently in a second phase, which continues work from the first 5 year to improve maturity of quantum computer science applied to almost all areas of science and beyond and increasing the quantum computer advantage over conventional computers.
Current STAQ institutions (2024): Duke University (Lead), Harvard University, University of Maryland, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, Tufts University, University of Chicago, University of New Mexico
STAQ institutions 2018-2024: Duke University (Lead), Joint Quantum Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, University of California - Berkeley, University of Chicago, University of New Mexico
The Quantum Advantage Class Trapped Ion (QACTI) NSF NQVL Pilot project is designing and constructing an ion trap quantum computer to demonstrate a scientific computation beyond the capabilities of a standard computer. The QACTI project is a collaboration between scientists, computer scientists, and engineers working towards the common goal of achieving scientific quantum advantage. Prototype devices and methods are being tested to determine the best path forward. The collaborative effort combines advanced engineering solutions for trapped atomic ions with forward-looking integrated control technologies that allow for exploration and optimization of quantum algorithms by domain specialists. The project is also building a quantum workforce with a focus on training undergraduate students. The effort in the Pilot phase of the program focuses on working with the broader community to clarify promising directions in both hardware and applications.
With the support of the National Science Foundation, the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation uses quantum simulation to gain insight into and take advantage of the rich behavior of complex quantum systems. Work at the Institute is organized into three major research challenges.
Combining expertise in computer science, engineering, and physics, the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation addresses the grand challenge of robustly simulating classically intractable quantum systems.
We meet this challenge by exploring the theoretical foundations of quantum algorithms and quantum error correction in conjunction with experimental quantum simulators on four of the leading hardware platforms: trapped ions, arrays of Rydberg atoms, quantum photonics with solid-state defects, and superconducting circuits.
QLCI: RQS Team: University of Maryland (Lead), Duke University, Princeton University, North Carolina State University, Yale University
The Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA) is catalyzing national leadership in quantum information science (QIS) and technology to co-design the algorithms, quantum devices, and engineering solutions needed to deliver certified quantum advantage in Department of Energy scientific applications.
QSA’s multidisciplinary expertise and network of world-class research facilities will enable the team to co-design the solutions needed to build working quantum systems that outperform today’s computers. The center is dedicated to a mission of pairing advanced quantum prototypes—based on neutral atoms, trapped ions, and superconducting circuits—with algorithms specifically constructed for imperfect hardware to demonstrate optimal applications for each platform in scientific computing, materials science, and fundamental physics.
QSA will deliver a series of prototypes created from these pairings to broadly explore the quantum technology trade-space, laying the basic science foundations to accelerate the maturation of commercial technologies.
QSA Team: Berkeley Lab (Lead), Sandia National Laboratory, University of Colorado Boulder, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Duke University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, University of California - Berkeley, University of Maryland, University of New Mexico, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, Université de Sherbrooke