Oak Ridge National Laboratory is well-positioned to advance computing and secure communication through advances in quantum materials, leveraging a combination of materials science expertise and specialized facilities. The lab’s program explores research across three primary phases: discovering, understanding, and designing quantum materials; theory and design; synthesis and manufacturing; and device testing. Key to this work are ORNL’s neutron sources, nanoscience research facilities, and leadership-class supercomputers, which enable both the discovery and understanding of materials exhibiting quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement. This research directly supports national priorities in areas including energy security, advanced manufacturing, and national defense, framing the work as essential to both scientific advancement and tangible national goals.
ORNL Facilities Drive Quantum Material Discovery
An integrated research capability at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is accelerating the discovery and application of quantum materials, positioning the institution as central to advancements in computing, sensing, and secure communication. ORNL maintains theoretical design, material synthesis, and device testing. This strategy is bolstered by a combination of resources, including access to both neutron sources and nanoscience research facilities, alongside leadership-class supercomputers that facilitate material discovery and detailed understanding of their properties. ORNL’s strengths extend beyond instrumentation; researchers are actively focused on the nuanced characteristics of quantum materials. Discovering, understanding, and designing quantum materials are key areas of exploration. Quantum effects tend to happen around the margins of materials, in the edges, defects, and interfaces between dissimilar substances, so understanding this complex mix of features is critical for harnessing these effects in practical quantum devices.
Key to this investigation are facilities like the Center for Nanophase Materials Science, the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), and the High Flux Isotope Reactor, with planned upgrades to the SNS, the Proton Power Upgrade and Second Target Station, expected to significantly enhance these capabilities. The laboratory is dedicated to translating these materials into functional devices. ORNL is investing in facilities like the Translational Research Capability to understand how materials integrate into devices and maintain performance over time. This work directly supports national priorities, including bolstering energy security, advancing manufacturing, strengthening national defense, and driving economic competitiveness, ensuring that scientific progress translates into tangible benefits.
From Quantum Materials to Functional Device Fabrication
Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s approach to quantum materials research extends beyond discovery, encompassing a progression from theoretical design to fully realized devices. Researchers are identifying materials exhibiting quantum phenomena like superposition or superconductivity, but actively manipulating and integrating them into functional technologies. A critical focus lies in understanding how quantum effects manifest not within the bulk of a material, but at its edges, defects, and interfaces, areas where these phenomena are most readily harnessed. Discovering, understanding, and designing quantum materials are key areas of research, followed by a dedicated effort to translate these materials into practical architectures. ORNL is heavily invested in understanding the structural and functional changes that occur when materials are combined and processed, utilizing facilities like the new Translational Research Capability to assess long-term stability and performance.
Bridging Quantum and Classical Systems for Networks
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers are addressing a critical hurdle in quantum technology: seamlessly integrating quantum systems with existing classical infrastructure for robust networks. Beyond discovering novel quantum materials, the laboratory is focused on architectures that allow information exchange between quantum and classical realms, recognizing that the true potential of quantum computing relies on this interoperability. These bridges, potentially spanning nanometers within devices or hundreds of miles geographically, require efficient transducers capable of converting quantum signals into photons for lossless long-distance transmission. ORNL has already established a functional quantum network within its campus and is expanding this effort through collaboration with Chattanooga, aiming to tackle the complexities of larger-scale network implementation. This work isn’t solely about signal transmission; researchers are deeply invested in understanding how materials behave when integrated into devices and how their properties evolve over time with repeated use. The lab’s combination of resources, including neutron sources, nanoscience facilities, and leadership-class supercomputers, provides end-to-end capability, from theoretical design, material synthesis, and device testing.
