The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is advancing US quantum computing and networking capabilities, partnering with companies like IonQ, Rigetti, IBM, and PsiQuantum. The focus is on quantum technologies from the individual quantum bit (qubit) level to the system level, potentially enabling ultra-secure quantum communications for military applications. The AFRL is also working on a future network to connect diverse quantum technologies across the battlefield. Commercial sector support is helping AFRL research in quantum networks to realise distributed quantum computing, which could simulate complex scientific processes and integrate quantum sensors for precise measurements.
AFRL’s Quantum Computing and Networking Advancements
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is leveraging its resources to enhance quantum computing and networking capabilities. Over the past year, AFRL’s Information Directorate has collaborated with several industry and academic partners, with the support and funding from Congress, to build an industrial support system that is advancing the United States’ capabilities in quantum technology.
AFRL has formed partnerships with quantum technology companies such as IonQ, Rigetti, IBM, and PsiQuantum. These collaborations aim to explore quantum technologies from sensing to computing, utilizing the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to process data.
AFRL’s Quantum Research and Development
AFRL researchers have been making advancements in various aspects of quantum information technologies for over a decade. The pace of development has been accelerated by incorporating commercial assets into ongoing research at the new AFRL Extreme Computing facility and the Innovare Advancement Center at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, New York.
Dr. Kathy-Anne Soderberg, AFRL senior scientist for quantum science and technology, stated that by gaining hands-on access to commercial technologies, they are enabling greater progress toward quantum technology breakthroughs. Soderberg and her team are advancing quantum technologies from the individual quantum bit, or qubit, level to the system level.
Qubits and Quantum Communications
A qubit is the quantum counterpart to a bit in classical computing, which is the basic unit or the smallest informational unit within a computer. The use of qubits unlocks new computational abilities due to their quantum properties such as entanglement. This could potentially connect different qubit types together in a network, providing the U.S. Air Force with ultra-secure quantum communications with military applications.
Commercial Sector Support and Quantum Networks
Commercial sector support is providing infrastructure that can assist AFRL research in quantum networks to realize distributed quantum computing. Quantum computers connected via a network can transmit classical and quantum bits of information between themselves. These quantum computers could then simulate complex scientific processes inaccessible to current computational platforms and integrate quantum sensors that promise measurements of unprecedented precision, according to Dr. Don Telesca, chief of the Quantum Information Sciences and Technology Branch at AFRL’s Information Directorate.
Dr. Michael Hayduk, deputy director of AFRL’s Information Directorate, stated that the commercial sector is an added asset to the research being conducted by AFRL. The computers, components, research, and work that have been achieved and documented by these companies and academic institutions are accelerating quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States.
AFRL’s Collaboration with Industry and Academia
AFRL is consistently seeking industry and academic partners to work with in the quantum space to expand the research capacity. By working together with industry, AFRL researchers can identify and address gaps in technology, standards, and workforce development through collaboration to benefit the U.S. Department of the Air Force and the warfighter.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development.
“By gaining hands-on access to commercial technologies, we believe we are enabling greater progress toward quantum technology breakthroughs,”
Dr. Kathy-Anne Soderberg, AFRL senior scientist for quantum science and technology.
“These collaborations are supporting Air Force-relevant research focused on delivering a future network to connect diverse quantum technologies across the battlefield, giving the warfighter tremendous advantages,” said Dr. Don Telesca, chief of the Quantum Information Sciences and Technology Branch at AFRL’s Information Directorate.
“The commercial sector is an added asset to the research being conducted by AFRL,” said Dr. Michael Hayduk, deputy director of AFRL’s Information Directorate. “The computers, components, research and work that have been achieved and documented by these companies and academic institutions are accelerating quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States.”
Summary
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is advancing quantum computing and networking capabilities, collaborating with industry and academic partners to build a support system for quantum technology. The research focuses on quantum bits (qubits), which could potentially provide ultra-secure quantum communications for military applications, and on developing a network of quantum computers capable of simulating complex scientific processes and integrating quantum sensors for precise measurements.
- The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is advancing quantum computing and networking capabilities in the US.
- AFRL has collaborated with quantum technology companies such as IonQ, Rigetti, IBM, and PsiQuantum to explore quantum technologies for data processing.
- The research is being conducted at the AFRL Extreme Computing facility and the Innovare Advancement Center at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, New York.
- Dr. Kathy-Anne Soderberg, AFRL senior scientist, and her team are working on quantum technologies from the individual quantum bit (qubit) level to the system level.
- The aim is to connect different qubit types together in a network for ultra-secure quantum communications with potential military applications.
- Commercial sector support is helping AFRL research in quantum networks to achieve distributed quantum computing.
- Quantum computers connected via a network can transmit classical and quantum bits of information between themselves, simulating complex scientific processes and integrating quantum sensors for precise measurements.
- Dr. Michael Hayduk, deputy director of AFRL’s Information Directorate, emphasises the importance of commercial sector support in accelerating quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the US.
- AFRL is seeking more industry and academic partners to expand research capacity and address gaps in technology, standards, and workforce development.