Areas of strength in quantum information science and engineering (QISE) research at the University of Rochester include quantum applications, quantum devices, quantum materials, quantum interconnects, and quantum theory.
Quantum Applications
QISE research at the University of Rochester spans quantum computing, sensing, communication, and chemistry.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize modern technology. Quantum computers can solve some problems exponentially faster than any classical computer. Major obstacles to experimental quantum computing include decoherence in individual qubits and reliable information transfer between qubits. At the University of Rochester, we are attacking these problems by exploring strain-tuned topologically-protected qubits, information transfer in ultra-coherent electron-spin qubits in quantum dots as well as devising photonic qubit based approaches. Faculty involved in quantum computing include Blok, Nichol, Vamivakas, and Wu.
Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensors promise the ability to detect electromagnetic fields with unparalleled precision and accuracy. Quantum sensing approaches at the University of Rochester come in many flavors, including using quantum states of light that utilize quantum correlation to circumvent fundamental limits in measurement noise, qubit-based architectures that offer sensitivities and resolutions not available with classical sensor technologies, and sensors based on extreme quantum coherence – such as quantum entanglement and mesoscale quantum states – that provide nonclassical approaches to sensing as well as unique quantum measurement techniques offering precise measurements in potentially resource starved environments. Faculty involved in quantum sensing include Boyd, Cardenas, and Vamivakas.
Quantum Communication
Quantum communication protocols offer the ability to transmit information unconditionally and to distribute quantum states between different parties. Faculty involved in quantum communication include Boyd, Cardenas, Lin, and Vamivakas.
Quantum Chemistry
The application of quantum information science is opening new frontiers in physical chemistry. At the University of Rochester a paradigm shift is occurring in photochemistry. We are exploring new chemical transformations relevant to energy conversion fundamentally enabled by the strong coupling of excitons in condensed matter to the quantum light field in an optical cavity. In parallel, quantum simulators based on semiconductor spins are providing a platform to understand for the first time the full complexity of chemical reactions in the condensed phase. Faculty involved in quantum chemistry include Franco, Huo, Kruass, and Vamivakas.
Quantum Devices
In pursuit of these application areas, QISE research at the University of Rochester involves multiple different quantum devices, including qubits based on superconductors and semiconductors, phononic quantum devices, cold atom devices, and new states of matter in 2D materials engineered through strain. Faculty involved in quantum device research include Askari, Bigelow, Blok, Nichol, Renninger, and Wu.
Quantum Materials
Research into the wide variety of quantum devices at the University of Rochester is matched by research into a wide variety of materials that are carefully designed and engineered to enhance their quantum properties. The University of Rochester has a diversity of activities that nucleate around quantum materials. A contingent of faculty engineer extreme conditions to create materials with novel properties such as hot superconductors with Tc>> room temperature, new topological insulators, ultracold quantum atomic simulators and more. These efforts are in part enabled by the unique infrastructure accessible at the University’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics as well as other extreme synthesis techniques. At the University of Rochester, quantum materials are also engineered into novel optoelectronic devices that promote many-body interactions that give rise to new quantum coherences. The generation of quantum states of light takes on a variety of forms at the University and builds on our expertise in quantum optics. New engineered materials support novel photon detection approaches. Lastly, we work with highly nonlinear materials with epsilon near zero, that provide new pathways for enhanced quantum nonlinear optics. Faculty involved in research on quantum materials include Boyd, Collins, Dias, Lin, Krauss, Singh, Vamivakas, and Wicks.
Quantum Interconnects
Hybrid quantum systems have the potential to harness the benefits of different physical quantum information processing platforms into a combined system that is more powerful than its individual components. Research at the University of Rochester focuses on interconnects between different physical platforms, like spins, superconducting qubits, and mechanical vibrations, and light. A long-term goal of this approach is to develop the necessary tools for optical links between distinct quantum nodes. Faculty involved in research on quantum interconnects include Blok, Boyd, Cardenas, Lin, Nichol, and Vamivakas.
Quantum Theory
The University of Rochester is a recognized leader in issues related to the foundations of quantum science. Current efforts explore quantum coherence and entanglement – how it can be controlled, measured and leveraged as a resource. We also are exploring the fundamental limits of measurement precision for different experiments and sensors. This overall goal takes on a variety of specific applications and problems, including estimation of Hamiltonian parameters, quantum state estimation, imaging, force sensing, and characteristics of open quantum systems. We continue to push the boundaries of quantum metrology theory for arbitrary settings and measurements in time. Faculty involved in quantum theory include Eberly, Franco, Huo, Jordan, and Landi.