ExpandQISE: Track 2: Expanding Quantum Research and Education at Winston-Salem State University with Research on Hybrid Microwave-Optical Quantum Devices

非技术描述：量子信息科学与工程(QISE)是一个活跃的研究和开发领域，具有巨大的潜力来推动计算、网络和传感的基本性能极限。该项目旨在与克莱姆森大学和罗切斯特大学密切合作，在温斯顿-塞勒姆州立大学(WSSU)开展QISE综合研究和教育活动。研究活动旨在通过建立量子换能器试验台，促进发现量子计算和网络应用的新材料和新功能。教育部分的重点是在QISE中建立具有强大动手能力的本科课程，以培养高度多样化和熟练的劳动力队伍。该项目的协作性质与其支持的核心研究设施相结合，不仅将WSSU的教职员工和学生带入QISE研究的前沿，还有助于在卡罗莱纳州培训一代又一代不同的QISE劳动力。技术描述：量子处理器网络的实现对可扩展量子技术的发展至关重要。使用目前的技术来实现噪声最小的高效量子转换(QTR)仍然是一个艰巨的挑战。温斯顿-塞勒姆混合量子实验室(WHQL)被建立为容纳试验床的核心设施。这项工作将华盛顿大学定位在量子技术研究的前沿，使人们能够通过电光或电光机械微波-光子耦合机制，快速探索和发现多功能材料和设备，以实现高效、低噪声的QTT。WHQL不仅提高了WSSU的研究能力，而且在创建可持续的多元化劳动力管道方面发挥了关键作用，以支持我国不断增长的量子信息科学与工程(QISE)研究和开发活动。

Non-technical Description: Quantum information science and engineering (QISE) is an active area of research and development with significant potential to push the fundamental performance limits for computation, networking, and sensing. This project aims to establish integrated QISE research and education activities at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in close collaboration with Clemson University and the University of Rochester. The research activities are aimed at facilitating the discovery of new materials and functionalities for quantum computing and networking applications by establishing a quantum transduction testbed. The educational components are focused on establishing an undergraduate program in QISE with strong hands-on components to train a highly diverse and proficient workforce. The collaborative nature of the project combined with the core research facilities it enables not only brings WSSU faculty and students to the forefront of QISE research but helps train generations of diverse QISE workforce in the Carolinas. Technical Description: The realization of quantum processor networks is crucial for the advancement of scalable quantum technologies. Using current technology to achieve high-efficiency quantum transduction (QTR) with minimal noise remains a formidable challenge. In collaboration with experts in quantum research at Clemson University and the University of Rochester, a team at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) aims to address the existing QTR bottlenecks by developing a versatile testbed for high-throughput testing of hybrid quantum materials and device configurations for high-performance QTR applications. The Winston-Salem Hybrid Quantum Laboratory (WHQL) is established as the core facility to house the testbed. This effort positions WSSU at the forefront of quantum technology research, enabling rapid exploration and discovery of multifunctional materials and devices for efficient, low-noise QTR via electro-optical or electro-optomechanical microwave-photon coupling mechanisms. WHQL not only enhances WSSU’s research capabilities but plays a crucial role in creating a sustainable pipeline of a diverse workforce to support our nation’s growing Quantum information science and engineering (QISE) research and development activities. This effort is expected to serve as a model for integrated QISE research and education activities to be utilized by historically black colleges and universities across our nation with no or nascent QISE program.This project is jointly funded by the Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP), the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (MPS/OMA), and the Technology Frontiers Program (TIP/TF).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.