QLCI-CI: NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks

量子信息科学与工程研究有可能通过开发量子计算机来改变社会，量子计算机可以比传统计算机更快地完成某些关键任务，并提供传统技术无法实现的新应用。例如，大型量子计算机可以模拟能量收集分子的特性，并以超级计算机目前无法达到的规模更快地优化护士调度等物流。然而，最先进的量子设备太小，缺乏充分实现这一承诺所需的功能。目前，世界各地的研究人员和公司都在寻求使用单核量子技术扩展量子处理器的方法。虽然已经取得了进展，但通往有用的量子计算机或信息网络的途径尚不清楚，这些量子计算机或信息网络可以超越经典技术并提供新的用例。混合量子架构和网络中心将通过追求另一种范式来解决这一挑战：由混合架构组成的分布式量子处理和网络。由一定数量的量子比特组成的节点将通过量子链路连接起来。这种模块化方法利用了不同量子系统的优势，并有可能解锁大规模的量子信息处理。这种方法支持的新的分布式应用程序可能包括无条件安全的信息搜索和多方计算。该中心将支持强大的教育、研究协调、社区参与和工业合作计划，以解决各级量子劳动力挑战，并促进量子技术生态系统。该中心将开展基础科学研究和工程，以开发多节点、全栈系统，从量子处理器设计和控制到高级软件应用接口。将通过汇集来自化学、计算机科学、电气和计算机工程、数学、材料科学与工程、分子工程和物理学的专业知识来追求一种融合的方法。将进行三个紧密结合的重点研究领域。第一个将集中于开发基于成熟技术（原子离子，中性原子阵列和超导电路）的多节点异构网络，具有分布式处理能力。这项工作将推进混合互连技术，并在每个参与机构部署多节点测试平台。第二个重点是开发分布式计算软件栈、多节点信息协议和针对这些混合网络进行优化的新用例。这些协议，如私有量子搜索和量子指纹，将利用异构分布式架构的可扩展性和无条件的网络安全优势，用于新的应用程序。第三个重点领域将包括创建具有增强性能的下一代受保护量子比特，并将这些设备集成到中心测试平台中。所有的推力都将采用协同设计的方法，包括来自不同学科的研究人员的协作、迭代和托管。该中心的技术、研究和软件进步将为多节点异构分布式处理器和网络提供基础，其功能超越单一平台架构。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Quantum information science and engineering research has the potential to transform society by developing quantum computers that can complete certain critical tasks faster than classical computers and that provide new applications inaccessible to conventional technologies. For example, a large-scale quantum computer could simulate the properties of energy-harvesting molecules and optimize logistics such as nurse scheduling more quickly and at scales currently unapproachable by supercomputers. However, state-of-the-art quantum devices are too small and lack the features needed to fully realize this promise. Currently, researchers and companies world-wide are pursuing approaches for scaling-up quantum processors using a single-core quantum technology. While there has been progress, the pathway to a useful quantum computer or information network that can outperform classical technologies and provide new use-cases is unknown.The Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks center will tackle this challenge by pursuing an alternative paradigm: distributed quantum processing and networks composed of a hybrid architecture. Nodes consisting of a modest number of quantum bits will be connected by quantum links. This modular approach leverages the strengths of different quantum systems and has the potential to unlock quantum information processing at large scales. New distributed applications enabled by this approach may include unconditionally secure information searching and multi-party computation. The center will support robust education, research coordination, community engagement, and industrial partnership programs that will address the quantum workforce challenge at all levels and promote the quantum technologies ecosystem.The center will carry out fundamental science research and engineering to develop a multi-node, full-stack system, ranging from quantum processor design and control to a high-level software application interface. A convergent approach will be pursued by bringing together researchers with expertise from chemistry, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, materials science and engineering, molecular engineering, and physics. Three tightly integrated focus research areas will be pursued. The first will center on developing multi-node heterogeneous networks based on proven technologies (atomic ions, neutral atom arrays, and superconducting circuits) with the capacity for distributed processing. This effort will advance hybrid interconnect technologies and deploy multi-node testbeds at each participating institution. The second thrust will develop a distributed computing software stack, multi-node information protocols, and new use-cases that are optimized for these hybrid networks. These protocols, such as private quantum searching and quantum fingerprinting, will leverage the scalability and unconditional network security advantages of a heterogeneous distributed architecture for new applications. The third focus area will encompass creating next-generation protected qubits with enhanced performance and integrating these devices into the center testbeds. All thrusts will employ a co-design approach with collaboration, iteration, and colocation of researchers from different disciplines. The center's technology, research, and software advancements will provide the foundation for a multi-node heterogeneous distributed processor and network with functionalities that surpass a single-platform architecture.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.