Award Abstract # 2040702
NSF Convergence Accelerator Track C: Cloud-Accessible Integrated Quantum Simulator Based on Programmable Atom Arrays

NSF Org: ITE
Innovation and Technology Ecosystems
Recipient: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
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: FY 2020 = $981,636.00
History of Investigator:
  • Sebastian Will (Principal Investigator)
    sw3151@columbia.edu
  • Layla Hormozi (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Nanfang Yu (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Alexander Gaeta (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Columbia University
615 W 131ST ST
NEW YORK
NY  US  10027-7922
(212)854-6851
Sponsor Congressional District: 13
Primary Place of Performance: Columbia University
2960 Broadway
New York
NY  US  10027-6902
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
13
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): F4N1QNPB95M4
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): Convergence Accelerator Resrch
Primary Program Source: 01002021DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s):
Program Element Code(s): 131Y
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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Zhao, Yun and Jang, Jae K. and Okawachi, Yoshitomo and Gaeta, Alexander L. "Theory of ? (2) -microresonator-based frequency conversion" Optics Letters , v.46 , 2021 https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.427684 Citation Details
Corato-Zanarella, Mateus and Gil-Molina, Andres and Ji, Xingchen and Shin, Min Chul and Mohanty, Aseema and Lipson, Michal "Widely tunable and narrow-linewidth chip-scale lasers from near-ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths" Nature Photonics , 2022 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41566-022-01120-w Citation Details

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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