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

量子信息科学和工程研究有潜力通过开发量子计算机来改变社会，这些计算机可以比经典计算机更快地完成某些关键任务，并提供传统技术无法访问的新应用。例如，一台大型量子计算机可以模拟能量收集分子的性质，并更快地优化物流，如护士调度，其规模目前是超级计算机无法企及的。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大量子处理器的方法。虽然已经取得了进展，但通往能够超越经典技术并提供新用例的有用量子计算机或信息网络的途径尚不清楚。混合量子体系结构和网络中心将通过追求另一种范式来应对这一挑战：分布式量子处理和由混合体系结构组成的网络。由适度数量的量子比特组成的节点将通过量子链路连接。这种模块化的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。通过这种方法实现的新的分布式应用可能包括无条件安全的信息搜索和多方计算。该中心将支持强有力的教育、研究协调、社区参与和产业伙伴关系计划，以应对各级量子劳动力的挑战，促进量子技术生态系统。中心将开展基础科学研究和工程，以开发从量子处理器设计和控制到高级软件应用接口的多节点、全栈系统。将寻求一种趋同的方法，将来自化学、计算机科学、电气和计算机工程、数学、材料科学和工程、分子工程和物理的研究人员聚集在一起。将继续进行三个紧密结合的重点研究领域。第一个重点是基于成熟的技术(原子离子、中性原子阵列和超导电路)开发具有分布式处理能力的多节点异质网络。这一努力将推进混合互联技术，并在每个参与机构部署多节点试验台。第二个推力将开发分布式计算软件堆栈、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识别，将为新的应用利用异类分布式体系结构的可扩展性和无条件的网络安全优势。第三个重点领域将包括创造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试验台中。所有的推进器都将采用协同设计的方法，由来自不同学科的研究人员进行协作、迭代和协同定位。该中心的技术、研究和软件进步将为多节点异质分布式处理器和网络奠定基础，其功能超过单平台架构。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势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.