The National Science Foundation has invested $20 million to establish a national quantum nanofabrication facility at the University of Colorado in Boulder, led by Professor Scott Diddams. This cutting-edge facility, known as the National Quantum Nanofab, aims to accelerate the co-design and development of atomic-photonic quantum devices.
The goal is to create an open-access hub for academic, government, and industrial users to fabricate, characterize, and package quantum devices essential for advancing applications such as quantum computers, networks, sensing, and communications. Currently, a significant knowledge gap exists in manufacturing quantum devices that involve small quantum particles like photons and atoms, requiring new fabrication techniques at the nanoscale.
The National Quantum Nanofab will address various nanofabrication needs, including nonlinear optics, integrated photon detectors, and materials beyond silicon. Over the next five years, this facility will not only drive innovation but also serve as an educational hub to train a diverse quantum workforce.
Accelerating Quantum Device Fabrication: NSF Funds National Quantum Nanofab
The United States National Science Foundation (NSF) has invested $20 million in creating a quantum nanofabrication facility at the University of Colorado (CU) in Boulder, with the goal of accelerating co-design and development of atomic-photonic quantum devices. This timely move by NSF aims to create an open-access national facility for academic, government, and industrial users to enable quantum device fabrication, characterization, and packaging essential to advancing applications ranging from quantum computers and networks to sensing to communications.
The National Quantum Nanofab (NQN) will address a significant knowledge gap in the manufacturing of quantum devices that involve fundamentally small quantum particles such as photons and atoms. New fabrication techniques at the nanoscale are crucial for advancing these applications, but currently, there is a lack of understanding about how to manufacture these devices. The NQN, led by Scott Diddams, a professor in CU’s Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, will provide a collaborative environment where researchers can access cutting-edge instruments and work together on the design, fabrication, process development, and integration challenges encountered with quantum devices.
Atomic-photonic quantum devices are critical for enabling technologies such as quantum computing and networks, atomic clocks, electric and magnetic field sensors, and inertial sensors. These devices require the precise manipulation of neutral atoms and ions that are interfaced and addressed with optical photons in environments that may involve high vacuum and cryogenic temperatures. The NQN will provide a platform for researchers to develop and test these devices, driving innovation in quantum technology.
Addressing Nanofabrication Needs
The National Quantum Nanofab will address various nanofabrication needs essential for advancing atomic-photonic quantum devices. Among these needs are nonlinear optics, chip-integrated narrow linewidth lasers, integrated modulators and frequency shifters, visible wavelength integrated photonics, metasurfaces and grating structures, and integrated photon detectors. The facility will also explore materials beyond silicon for quantum nanofabrication, as traditional semiconductor materials may not be suitable for these applications.
The NQN will provide a unique opportunity for researchers to develop new fabrication techniques and materials that can overcome the challenges associated with manufacturing atomic-photonic quantum devices. By addressing these nanofabrication needs, the facility will accelerate the development of quantum technologies with potential applications in computing, sensing, and communications.
Building the National Quantum Nanofab
The construction of the National Quantum Nanofab is expected to take around five years. During this timeframe, the facility will be designed and built to provide a comprehensive platform for quantum device fabrication, characterization, and packaging. The NQN will also serve as an educational hub, training a diverse quantum workforce that can drive innovation in quantum technology.
The NSF’s investment in the National Quantum Nanofab demonstrates its commitment to advancing quantum research and development in the United States. By providing a national facility for quantum nanofabrication, the NSF aims to accelerate the development of quantum technologies with potential applications in various fields, from computing and sensing to communications.
Training a Diverse Quantum Workforce
The National Quantum Nanofab will not only provide a platform for researchers to develop and test atomic-photonic quantum devices but also serve as an educational hub. The facility will offer training programs and opportunities for students, postdoctoral researchers, and professionals to gain expertise in quantum nanofabrication, device design, and characterization.
By training a diverse quantum workforce, the NQN aims to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the field of quantum technology. This workforce will be essential for driving innovation in quantum research and development, as well as for the commercialization of quantum technologies. The NSF’s investment in the National Quantum Nanofab is expected to have a long-term impact on the development of quantum technologies in the United States.
Enabling Quantum Technologies
The National Quantum Nanofab has the potential to accelerate the development of various quantum technologies, including quantum computers and networks, atomic clocks, electric and magnetic field sensors, and inertial sensors. These technologies have potential applications in fields such as computing, sensing, and communications, and can drive innovation and economic growth.
By providing a platform for researchers to develop and test atomic-photonic quantum devices, the NQN will enable the development of these quantum technologies. The facility’s focus on nanofabrication, device design, and characterization will address the significant knowledge gap in manufacturing quantum devices, driving progress in this field.
External Link: Click Here For More
