Research
Quantum information science and engineering is at a tipping point. Researchers exploring the farthest edges of classical physics are beginning to tap into the fundamental capabilities of the quantum world to open new frontiers.
Drawing on quantum entanglement, investigators are poised to drastically improve the acquisition, processing and transmission of information. Advances across quantum science are combining with classical engineering advancement to transform laboratory demonstration into technological reality. This leap from the lab to real-world impact requires an environment that drives fundamental advances, develops engineering and technical expertise, provides enabling infrastructure, cultivates the next generation workforce, and supports integration with the private sector.
QEI is our answer to that call with the specific goal of creating next-generation quantum sensors and sensor networks for real world systems.
Research Focus Areas
We seek to develop analog and digital quantum devices that will leapfrog current technology. Today, quantum devices have demonstrated unprecedented performance but are far from a mature technology and are likely inadequate for building the next generation technologies to enable semi- and superconducting quantum computing. This work will be done with researchers in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering and seeks to develop novel mechanical sensors and novel qubits. Â
Intended for use outside of a controlled lab space, these devices are the most accurate measurement tools ever made. However, their use on Earth and in space is severely restricted by their complexity and current state of engineering. Bringing the technology out of the lab would benefit communications networks and could be used for deep space navigation, among other applications. We will liberate optical clocks from the research lab with engineered solutions in integrated photonics and lasers, low SWaP frequency combs, micro-integrated frequency stabilization, advanced mechanical, electronic and vacuum systems.
Quantum sensing is critical to high-impact, practical application of Quantum 2.0 because it directly benefits from, verifies, and has applications in quantum information science. With four Nobel Prizes combined, ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder, NIST and their jointly managed research institute JILA have a distinguished history of developing increasingly precise sensing and measurement techniques. With further stimulation, researchers will open new opportunities for major science and technology breakthroughs, including searches for new physics and navigation without GPS.
Development of high- efficiency and fidelity protocols to transmit and store quantum information over macroscopic distances will enable the first realizations of quantum networks with long-distance quantum communication and non-local quantum sensing applications. We seek to establish a high-quality quantum network between the researchers in the initiative and at NIST across campus. This will be the first link of a larger Boulder Quantum Network.
- Hybrid devices
- Theory
- Supporting technologies
Boulder Research EcosystemÂ
The university sits at the heart of a thriving research and innovation ecosystem in Boulder and Colorado. Powered by students, faculty and staff, the university has developed a groundbreaking pipeline to translate research into real-world impact in quantum through partnership with nearby leaders at national labs like NIST and with industry like Lockheed Martin.
Q-SEnSE: Quantum Systems through Entangled Science and Engineering
Q-SEnSE is an National Science Foundation Quantum Leap Challenge Institute led by the University of Colorado Boulder in partnership with a dozen other research organizations across the nation and abroad. Within the institute, almost 40 researchers share their quantum expertise in multi-disciplinary teams to investigate promising solutions to formidable quantum challenges of both fundamental and practical significance.
