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，具有推动计算，网络和传感的基本性能极限的巨大潜力。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）建立综合QISE研究和教育活动。研究活动旨在通过建立量子转换测试平台，促进量子计算和网络应用的新材料和功能的发现。教育部分的重点是建立一个本科课程QISE与强大的动手组件，以培养一个高度多样化和熟练的劳动力。该项目的协作性质与核心研究设施相结合，不仅使WSSU的教师和学生走在QISE研究的最前沿，而且有助于培养几代不同的QISE劳动力。量子处理器网络的实现对于可扩展量子技术的进步至关重要。利用现有技术实现具有最小噪声的高效量子转换（QTR）仍然是一个艰巨的挑战。在与克莱姆森大学和罗切斯特大学的量子研究专家的合作中，温斯顿-塞勒姆州立大学（WSSU）的一个团队旨在通过开发一个多功能测试平台来解决现有的QTR瓶颈，该测试平台用于高性能QTR应用的混合量子材料和器件配置的高通量测试。温斯顿-塞勒姆混合量子实验室（WHQL）被建立为容纳测试台的核心设施。这项工作使WSSU处于量子技术研究的最前沿，能够快速探索和发现多功能材料和设备，通过电光或电光机械微波光子耦合机制实现高效，低噪声QTR。WHQL不仅增强了WSSU的研究能力，而且在创建多样化劳动力的可持续管道方面发挥着至关重要的作用，以支持我们国家不断增长的量子信息科学与工程（QISE）研究和开发活动。这项工作预计将作为一个模型，为综合QISE研究和教育活动，将利用历史上黑人学院和大学在我们的国家没有或新生QISE计划。这个项目是由历史上黑人学院和大学-本科生计划（HBCU-UP），多学科活动办公室（MPS/OMA），和技术前沿计划（TIP/TF）。该奖项反映了NSF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。

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.