NSF Convergence Accelerator Track C: Cloud-Accessible Integrated Quantum Simulator Based on Programmable Atom Arrays

NSF融合加速器支持以使用为灵感，以团队为基础，多学科的努力，解决国家重要性的挑战，并将在不久的将来产生对社会有价值的可交付成果。该项目旨在开发一个基于可编程原子阵列的量子模拟平台。利用纳米光子学的最新进展，该阵列将能够以更高的精度和灵活性控制单个原子。通过云访问，该平台将面向广泛的用户群。该平台旨在成为开发和实施与材料科学、量子化学和优化相关的量子算法的测试平台。该项目旨在开发一种新型集成原子量子模拟器，将模拟量子模拟和数字量子计算的特点结合在同一设备中。该项目将在以下重点领域进行概念验证研究：(1)基于基态和Ryderg态中性锶原子的原子平台；(2)以全息原子阱和紧凑的芯片激光系统为特征的激光和光子学；(3)定时和控制系统，包括纳秒级分辨率的量子定序器；(4)由专业软件工程师构建的用户界面，实现安全便捷的云访问；(5)量子算法和应用，为硬件设计提供信息，实现在材料研究、化学、物流和金融等领域提供量子优势的系统。项目团队包括来自学术界、国家实验室和工业界的物理学家、工程师、计算机科学家、数学家和教育工作者。交付成果包括(1)演示超冷锶原子的紧凑源；(2)基于芯片的集成激光器对锶的激光冷却演示；(3)专业设计的定时和量子测序系统的概念；(4)定义和实现一个概念验证的专业用户界面；(5)确定可在待开发硬件上运行的相关量子算法。该项目旨在推进量子模拟和量子计算，并将为学生和其他研究人员从事量子信息研究提供机会。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。

The NSF Convergence Accelerator supports use-inspired, team-based, multidisciplinary efforts that address challenges of national importance and will produce deliverables of value to society in the near future. The project aims to develop a quantum simulation platform based on programmable atom arrays. Utilizing recent advances in nanophotonics, the arrays will enable controlling individual atoms with greater precision and flexibility. By being cloud-accessible, the platform will be available to a broad user-base. The platform aims to be a testbed for developing and implementing quantum algorithms with real-world relevance in materials science, quantum chemistry, and optimization.The project aims to develop a novel integrated atomic quantum simulator that will combine features of analog quantum simulation and digital quantum computing in the same device. The project will perform proof-of-concept studies in these focus areas: (1) atomic platform that is based on neutral strontium atoms in ground and Ryderg states; (2) lasers and photonics that feature holographic atom traps and compact, chip-based laser systems; (3) timing and control system that includes a quantum sequencer with nanosecond-resolution; (4) user interface that will be built by professional software engineers to allow secure and easy cloud-access; and (5) quantum algorithms and applications to inform the design of the hardware to realize a system that can provide quantum advantage for applications in materials research, chemistry, logistics and finance. The project team includes physicists, engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and educators from academia, national labs and industry. Deliverables include (1) demonstration of a compact source of ultracold strontium atoms; (2) demonstration of laser cooling of strontium via a chip-based integrated laser; (3) concept for a professionally designed timing and quantum sequencer system; (4) definition and implementation of a proof-of-concept professional user interface; and (5) identification of relevant quantum algorithms that can run on the hardware to be developed. The project aims to advance quantum simulation and quantum computation and will provide opportunities for students and other researchers to engage in quantum information research.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.