ExpandQISE: Track 1: Prairie View A&M University - Virginia Tech Partnership in Quantum Science & Engineering Research and Education

摘要：量子信息科学与工程（QISE）这一新兴领域将利用量子物理的力量和信息技术的进步，通过在量子通信、计算、传感、模拟和材料等领域的创新，彻底改变未来的信息格局，这些领域对经济繁荣和国家安全至关重要。随着对QISE的兴趣和投资的迅速增长，该项目旨在通过在Prairie View a&m大学（PVAMU）建立QISE研究和教育项目，同时通过研究指导和合作利用弗吉尼亚理工大学（VT）现有的重要QISE专业知识，解决这个新兴的、高度技术化的领域的多样化、熟练劳动力的关键人才缺口。项目活动将包括：(1)开展量子通信和密码学的前沿研究；(2)本科和研究生阶段的QISE课程开发，重点是实践和基于项目的学习模块；(3)通过教师发展研讨会和为QISE中代表性不足的学生提供暑期实习的外展活动。技术摘要：数字通信的安全漏洞是互联世界面临的最大威胁之一。量子计算机的出现及其快速分解大数的能力将颠覆当前的加密标准，这反过来又保证了寻找安全通信的新方法。量子密钥分发（QKD）利用量子物理学中的特性在共享方之间交换加密密钥，从而保证完全保密。该项目将在PVAMU建立量子光学（QuED）和QKD测试平台，以促进PVAMU和VT在量子通信和密码学领域的研究指导和协作社区。合作团队的研究重点将集中在：(1)通过耦合网络仿真环境和基于光子纠缠演示的实验室实验，对基于卫星的量子密钥分配的不同量子密码协议进行可行性研究；(2)理解噪声对量子算法的影响；(3)探索基于光纤的非纠缠量子密钥分配方法。项目成果将有助于增强金融、能源、卫生、教育和国防部门等关键应用的安全性。该合作项目还将在历史悠久的黑人大学和主流机构之间建立可持续的伙伴关系，通过课程开发、学生/教师专业发展机会以及与行业合作伙伴的联系，扩大和多样化QISE的劳动力。与国内顶尖专家合作进行的研究、高质量的教学内容、体验式和基于项目的学习模式相结合，将确保项目的成功。该项目由传统黑人学院和大学本科项目（HBCU-UP）、多学科活动办公室（MPS/OMA）、工程局（ENG）和技术前沿项目（TIP/TF）共同资助。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。

Non-technical Abstract: The emerging field of Quantum Information Sciences and Engineering (QISE) will harness the power of quantum physics and advances in information technology to revolutionize the future information landscape through innovations in quantum communications, computing, sensing, simulation, and materials which are critical to economic prosperity and national security. With the rapidly growing interest and investment in QISE, this project seeks to address the critical talent gap for a diverse, skilled workforce in this new and strongly technology-oriented field through the establishment of a QISE research and education program at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) while leveraging existing significant QISE expertise at Virginia Tech (VT) through research mentoring and collaborations. The project activities will include: (1) conducting cutting-edge research in quantum communications and cryptography; (2) QISE curriculum development at both undergraduate and graduate levels with an emphasis on the hands-on and project-based learning modules; and (3) outreach activities through faculty development workshops and summer internships for underrepresented students in QISE. Technical Abstract: One of the greatest threats to the connected world is the security vulnerability of digital communication. The advent of quantum computers and its ability to quickly factor large numbers will be disruptive to current cryptography standards which in turn warrants the search for new approaches for secure communication. Quantum key distribution (QKD) utilizes properties found in quantum physics to exchange cryptographic keys between shared parties in such a way that guarantees perfect secrecy. This project will establish quantum optics (QuED) and QKD testbeds at PVAMU to facilitate research mentoring and collaboration community between PVAMU and VT in the fields of quantum communications and cryptography. The collaborative team’s research will focus on: (1) performing feasibility studies of different quantum cryptographic protocols for satellite-based QKD by coupling network emulation environment with laboratory experiments based on photon entanglement demonstrators; (2) understanding the impact of noise on quantum algorithms; and (3) exploring non-entanglement based QKD approaches over fiber. The project outcomes will contribute to the security enhancements in critical applications such as financial, energy, health, education, and defense sectors. The collaborative project will also create a sustainable partnership between a Historically Black University and a majority institution to expand and diversify the QISE workforce through the curriculum development, student/faculty professional development opportunities, and connection to industry partners. The combination of research in collaboration with leading experts in the nation, high-quality teaching content, and experiential and project based learning paradigms will ensure success of the project.This project is jointly funded by the Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP), the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (MPS/OMA), the Directorate of Engineering (ENG), 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.