Quantum Information Science and Technology
Quantum information science involves quantum effects in physics and how they can be used in computing, communications, precision measurements, and fundamental quantum science. Brookhaven National Laboratory is executing a cross-disciplinary quantum strategy that spans novel algorithms and materials for the next generation of quantum computers to quantum networking for secure communications and sensing with unprecedented accuracy. Our diverse resources and leading partners bring unprecedented expertise in fundamental science to inform new areas of quantum information science and technology (QIST) research to tackle complex challenges impacting the nation and world.
Quantum Materials
Brookhaven Lab is a nexus for materials research, including studies of behavior, synthesis, and the discovery of quantum materials to make better qubits and improve current quantum technologies. Using world-leading capabilities in materials characterization at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) and the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN), two Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facilities, we enable in-depth investigations of material properties for currently existing devices and next-generation materials. Our scientists’ study fundamental, theoretical, and applied properties of materials including their electronic, physical, mechanical, and chemical properties and structure.
The sample chamber of the Soft Inelastic X-ray Scattering (SIX) beamline at NSLS-II allows scientists to uncover the emergent properties of their quantum materials using a beam of ultrabright x-rays.
Low-energy electron microscopy image of graphene flake grown on copper foil, taken at the CFN aberration-corrected low-energy electron microscope / photoemission electron microscope at NSLS-II.
Quantum Technologies and Techniques
Building on Brookhaven Lab’s significant capabilities in instrumentation, accelerator, and advanced technologies, several research efforts are tackling the limitations of current quantum hardware—from qubits to the much-needed technologies that will enable the development of large and robust quantum systems. From employing experimental techniques to investigate the limits of current devices to creating new fabrication methods and key scalability enablers, a broad set of Lab initiatives includes cryogenic technologies, quantum astrometry, quantum LiDAR, and quantum-enhanced imaging from visible to x-rays.
- The Center for Functional Nanomaterials supports quantum research within its Electron Microscopy, Nano-fabrication, Proximal Probes and Theory & Computation groups
- NSLS-II Soft X-ray Scattering & Spectroscopy program
- Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science Department Electron Spectroscopy Group
- The Quantum Astrometry project studies QIS techniques of two-photon interferometry which could open completely new windows into astrophysical phenomena.
National Quantum Research Center
Led by Brookhaven Lab, the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) is one of five National Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct basic research in QIS. Comprising more than 20 national labs, research centers, universities, and industry, the C2QA team aims to overcome the performance limitations of current-generation quantum computers. Through software-hardware co-design, they will work toward achieving quantum advantage—the point at which a quantum computer outperforms a classical one on a useful task—for computations in high-energy and nuclear physics, chemistry, materials science, condensed matter physics, and other fields. Their quantum co-design efforts target three research thrusts: software and algorithms, devices, and materials.
Toward the first Quantum Internet of Things
Quantum networks excel in their ability to enable completely secure communication. Brookhaven Lab and Stony Brook University have teamed to build a substantial research effort in quantum networking, hosting one of the nation’s largest quantum entanglement distribution network testbeds that uses photonic quantum technologies and existing fiber infrastructure as its foundation. Research is ongoing to develop the underlying quantum photonics technologies. In addition the creation of a quantum repeater prototype to enable quantum entanglement distribution that ultimately will connect Brookhaven Lab to New York City.
Experimental quantum server
Quantum Algorithms & Applications
Brookhaven Lab is building a substantial program at the intersection of quantum information science, applied math, computer science, and physics. Projects extend from quantum algorithm development to enable scientific calculations not possible on traditional computers to exploring the deeper relationships between foundational quantum concepts, particularly in high energy and nuclear physics.
Brookhaven Quantum Computing Group
Collaborations
As QIST continues to expand the frontiers of science, Brookhaven Lab keeps growing its partnerships within the quantum research community, leveraging its strengths in materials science and theory together with leading universities and industries to break the barrier to noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computing and develop the building blocks of the first quantum Internet of Things, other quantum devices, and analysis to solve problems relevant to ensuring U.S. leadership in the new quantum economy.
- Northeast Quantum Systems Center, a hub for next-generation quantum information science research in the northeastern United States.
- IBM Quantum Computing
- SUNY Center of Quantum Information Science at Long Island
- Princeton University Quantum Science and Engineering
