NSF Org: |
ITE Innovation and Technology Ecosystems |
Recipient: |
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Initial Amendment Date: | September 8, 2020 |
Latest Amendment Date: | October 14, 2020 |
Award Number: | 2040702 |
Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
Program Manager: |
Pradeep Fulay
pfulay@nsf.gov (703)292-2445 ITE Innovation and Technology Ecosystems TIP Dir for Tech, Innovation, & Partnerships |
Start Date: | September 15, 2020 |
End Date: | May 31, 2022 (Estimated) |
Total Intended Award Amount: | $981,636.00 |
Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $981,636.00 |
Funds Obligated to Date: |
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History of Investigator: |
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Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
615 W 131ST ST NEW YORK NY US 10027-7922 (212)854-6851 |
Sponsor Congressional District: |
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Primary Place of Performance: |
2960 Broadway New York NY US 10027-6902 |
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District: |
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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Parent UEI: |
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NSF Program(s): | Convergence Accelerator Resrch |
Primary Program Source: |
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Program Reference Code(s): | |
Program Element Code(s): |
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Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.083 |
ABSTRACT
The NSF Convergence Accelerator supports use-inspired, team-based, multidisciplinary efforts that address challenges of national importance and will produce deliverables of value to society in the near future. The project aims to develop a quantum simulation platform based on programmable atom arrays. Utilizing recent advances in nanophotonics, the arrays will enable controlling individual atoms with greater precision and flexibility. By being cloud-accessible, the platform will be available to a broad user-base. The platform aims to be a testbed for developing and implementing quantum algorithms with real-world relevance in materials science, quantum chemistry, and optimization.
The project aims to develop a novel integrated atomic quantum simulator that will combine features of analog quantum simulation and digital quantum computing in the same device. The project will perform proof-of-concept studies in these focus areas: (1) atomic platform that is based on neutral strontium atoms in ground and Ryderg states; (2) lasers and photonics that feature holographic atom traps and compact, chip-based laser systems; (3) timing and control system that includes a quantum sequencer with nanosecond-resolution; (4) user interface that will be built by professional software engineers to allow secure and easy cloud-access; and (5) quantum algorithms and applications to inform the design of the hardware to realize a system that can provide quantum advantage for applications in materials research, chemistry, logistics and finance. The project team includes physicists, engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and educators from academia, national labs and industry. Deliverables include (1) demonstration of a compact source of ultracold strontium atoms; (2) demonstration of laser cooling of strontium via a chip-based integrated laser; (3) concept for a professionally designed timing and quantum sequencer system; (4) definition and implementation of a proof-of-concept professional user interface; and (5) identification of relevant quantum algorithms that can run on the hardware to be developed. The project aims to advance quantum simulation and quantum computation and will provide opportunities for students and other researchers to engage in quantum information research.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
A key challenge for today’s quantum computing platforms is the development of a scalable device architecture. This project has conceptualized a novel platform based on programmable atom arrays, which is highly scalable and combines elements of analog quantum simulation and digital quantum computation in one device. The platform is based on strontium atoms, leveraging their internal state structure for extremely long-lived quantum bits, and on highly integrated photonic devices, leveraging chip-based laser sources and trailblazing laser control capabilities via holographic metasurfaces. In a highly cross-disciplinary approach, the project team has brought together scientists, engineers and users from academia, national labs, industry, and business.
The project has conceptualized the systems architecture, including hardware and a software stack to provide cloud-based user access. The intellectual merit of the project lies in the demonstration of highly innovative quantum technology components, including (1) a new atomic beam source for strontium atoms, (2) a hardware system for the creation of strontium tweezer arrays for quantum simulation, (3) holographic metasurfaces for beam-shaping of large optical tweezer arrays, (4) highly integrated chip-based diode laser systems with sub-kilohertz linewidth. These advances will facilitate the use of strontium arrays for robust atomic clocks, quantum simulators and quantum computers. The broader impacts of the project include the training of a diverse workforce in quantum technology. The project has trained undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs in cutting-edge quantum technologies. Students, who have worked on the project, moved on to leading graduate programs in quantum science; postdocs, who have worked on the project, have taken on employment with leading quantum computing companies. The effort has been complemented by the development of a cross-disciplinary “Quantum Computing and Simulation Lab” course for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as an outreach program to raise public awareness for modern quantum technologies.
Last Modified: 02/02/2023
Modified by: Sebastian Will
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