Research

The CUbit Quantum Initiative coordinates quantum activities at CU Boulder, catalyzing focus areas and research centers across the university.

Scientific Focus Areas

Quantum Sensing and Measurement
Quantum Networks and Communications
Quantum Computing and Simulation
Quantum Materials and Dynamics

Research & Technological Disciplines

 

Atomic clocks and precision atomic and molecular sensors

Frequency combs and optical metrology

 

Atomic and ion-based quantum bits and technology

 

Integrated photonics for quantum devices

 

Superconducting quantum bits

 

Aerospace engineering design and mission deployment

 

Radio frequency detection and control

Quantum Science and Technology Research Centers

Quantum Systems through Entangled Science and Engineering

Quantum Systems through Entangled Science and Engineering (Q-SEnSE) is a Quantum Leap Challenge Institute, initially funded by NSF and led by CU Boulder in partnership with seven universities, three national labs and NIST. Prominent quantum researchers collaborate to explore how advanced quantum sensing can reveal new fundamental physics, develop and apply novel quantum technologies, provide tools for a national quantum sensing infrastructure, and train a quantum-savvy workforce.

Q-SEnSE organizes its research agenda into three Grand Challenges pursuing quantum science and engineering projects with high potential impact in fundamental science or practical application:

  • Ultra-precise Sensing and Measurement with a Quantum Advantage
  • Engineering Principles Applied to Quantum Information Science
  • National Infrastructure for Applications in Quantum Sensing (with strontium as a pilot case)

Q-SEnSE also provides Student Hands-On Training in Quantum. 

Quantum Systems Accelerator

The Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA), initially funded by DOE, is a multiorganization initiative established to design and deliver scalable quantum computers within five years. The QSA includes CU Boulder researchers from JILA/Physics and NIST with expertise in quantum sensing, quantum transduction and quantum computer simulation. CU Boulder projects are: Advancing Systems for Quantum Information Science, and Programmable Quantum Systems for applications such as computing, simulation and sensing.

Five-year goals for the QSA include:

  • Demonstrate individual universal quantum control of more than 50 ions
  • Design and implement quantum algorithms for high-level quantum computing and simulation
  • Demonstrate entangled many-body system with more than 1,000 atoms

QSA also provides Student Hands-On Training in Quantum. 

Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA)

Quantum Engineering Initiative

The Quantum Engineering Initiative (QEI) is a nascent center in which faculty from the College of Engineering & Applied Science and scientific staff from NIST Boulder Labs establish and operate a lab cluster at CU Boulder. QEI is partly modeled on JILA, the highly successful CU Boulder-NIST joint institute. By merging engineering approaches with quantum physics innovations at the earliest stages, QEI empowers research and development to deliver quantum innovations for adoption by industry and use in society. 

QEI brings together scientists and engineers in a dedicated space at CU to work on:

  • Next-generation field-deployable ultra-stable clocks
  • Translation of quantum sensors into real-world systems and networks
  • Engineering student engagement in quantum science

QEI also provides Student Hands-On Training in Quantum and Translational Engineering & Entrepreneurship. 

Joint Quantum Engineering Initiative (JQEI)

National Quantum Nanofab (NQN)

The National Quantum Nanofab (NQN) is an open-access facility for the co-design and development of atomic-photonic devices for quantum computers, networks, atomic clocks and advanced sensors. The NQN will enable quantum device fabrication, characterization, and packaging capabilities that are essential to advancing applications ranging from quantum computers and networks to atomic clocks and advanced quantum sensors. 

  • Provide an open-access model for academic, industrial, and government partners,
  • Serve as a hub of education, training, and outreach for student populations and the workforce essential to US leadership in quantum science and engineering.

NQN also provides Student Hands-On Training in Quantum and Translational Engineering & Entrepreneurship. 

Nanofabrication facility