QUANTUM MATTER
Quantum devices must be built from quantum materials. These are distinguished from classical materials by being free of "observers" that would collapse the quantum state
to a classical reality. Quantum materials need to be clean (chemically, electrically, magnetically, morphologically, and structurally) and they need to support quantum coherence.
The quantum nature can be held in atomic scale defects, in nano-structured features, or in macroscopic collective degrees of freedom. Often, they involve multi-body or emergent
physics such as superconductivity or magnetism. Quantum materials are grown in ultra-clean, special purpose instruments that allow us to control defects and structure.
• Better control of interfaces
• Materials for topology and spintronics
• Better rejection of defects
Precise Si whiskers CVD grown single crystal subsurface scanning probe microscopes.
QUANTUM INNOVATION CYCLE
Leads to improved materials, new devices, and new computers.
Quantum mechanics enables devices and efficiencies of information processing far beyond what can ever be realized in the classical setting. Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT) aims to provide an environment where quantum devices can be designed, built, and their benefits demonstrated.
TQT’s innovation cycle is built upon five core elements. The cycle begins with growing quantum materials and is closed by simulating quantum materials. In between, we characterize materials, build devices, and integrate them into processors. Each successive generation of materials and devices provides new insights into the design and working of quantum systems.
PHOSPHORUS DEFECTS IN SILICON
Quantum information reverts to classical by a loss of coherence.
We reduce this loss by having cleaner materials and through control sequences that suppress the effects of noise.
NEUTRONS AS A PROBE
Materials characterization.
Quantum materials have emergent properties that when harnessed, advance applications such as superconductivity, spintronics, sensing, quantum computing, and communications. Characterizing quantum materials requires more than a classical measurement. An important example is the characterization of spin-orbit structures in matter.
Neutrons can probe this since they penetrate matter and are sensitive to magnetic fields. A neutron beam passing through a quantum material records the magnetic structures inside the material. With the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), we have built the first facility that is capable of making a quantum measurement of the correlations between magnetization and angular momentum.
UNIQUE CAPABILITIES TO IMAGE INTERNAL MAGNETIC STRUCTURES
The spin/momentum correlation in the neutrons show up as arcs and are unambiguous signatures of quantum states.
SELECT USE CASES
Quantum sensors can measure correlations that are not otherwise accessible.
MEDICINE
Correlated information is a very powerful resource in medical diagnostics. For example, knowing how specific chemistry is distributed between the cytoplasm, cell wall, and other structures allows for more accurate setting of surgical margins.
Quantum sensors can be tailored to explore a specific and informative medical inquiry.
Understand biological properties (e.g. chirality, optical activity).
EXPLORATION
Quantum sensing has long played an essential role in oil exploration by correlating fluid type with mobility. It not only allows for the identification of hydrocarbons underground, but also the determination of whether they will move, their viscosity, pore size (confined area), and even the throat size of the pores.
Significant information is obtained from a quantum sensor which is accessible remotely.
Quantum sensors allow more targeted and informative measurements.
The quantum innovation cycle begins with a simulation problem that is difficult for classical computers to solve: problems ranging from quantum materials to quantum chromodynamics.
TODAY WE ARE JUST CLOSING THE LOOP FOR A FIRST ITERATION
Finally, we learn a bit more about the physics, the materials, the fabrication, and the control. All these build to a next run leading to improved performance.
Superconducting circuits are designed with connectivity and controls tailored to the quantum simulation.
The device is then fabricated and tested in state-of-the-art cryogenic systems.
The microwave controls are optimized for the particular device and tuned to account for errors.
THE MOMENTUM IS BUILDING
Every gain in simulations leads to new understanding of materials.
Every advance in instrumentation leads to new science and commercial opportunities.
Every discovery in sensing leads to new opportunities for early adopters.