QLCI-CI: NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation

量子力学在原子和亚原子粒子的尺度上支配物质的行为。20世纪的许多关键技术发展，如激光、晶体管和磁共振成像，都依赖于通过简化模型来理解量子力学。然而，这种方法不能解决在具有许多相互作用组件的系统中产生的复杂量子现象的行为。量子科学和技术的前景取决于克服这一障碍，建立一个控制良好、具有良好特征的量子系统，可以可靠地模拟小尺度物质的行为。这样一个量子模拟器将成为我们理解量子现象的一个里程碑。鲁棒量子模拟研究所将通过在几个领先的硬件平台上结合理论研究和实验实现来实现这一目标。此外，该研究所将通过培训和指导研究生和博士后，努力解决量子产业快速增长造成的人才短缺问题。新的K-12课程将使量子概念对各种各样的年轻人更具吸引力和可及性，确保劳动力的长期未来。与少数族裔院校合作开发的大学课程将吸引更广泛的学生学习量子科学与技术。针对专业人士的研讨会和学位课程将为量子科学和技术的可能用途提供清晰的视角。鲁棒量子模拟研究所将使用量子模拟来深入了解并利用复杂量子系统的丰富行为。结合计算机科学、工程和物理方面的专业知识，该团队将通过探索量子算法的理论基础和纠错，并结合在四个领先硬件平台上可重构量子模拟器的实验实现，来解决强大地模拟具有实际意义的经典棘手量子系统的巨大挑战：捕获离子、里德伯原子阵列、固体缺陷量子光子学和超导电路。该团队将在理论和实验之间进行紧密合作，共同设计当前和下一代设备的近期模拟协议，并在不同的实验平台上联合开发光学和微波控制技术，促进系统尺寸和可控性的快速发展。将解决实现量子模拟器面临的三个主要挑战：验证量子模拟的正确性，表征和减轻噪声，以及开发能够推进科学和技术的大规模系统。研究人员将参与更广泛的研究社区活动，包括暑期学校和量子模拟的新旗舰会议。他们将创建外展和教育计划，吸引不同群体的学生参与量子科学，引入跨学科的量子信息本科专业，并为研究生和专业人员提供量子信息培训。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。

Quantum mechanics governs the behavior of matter at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. Many key technological developments of the 20th century—such as the laser, the transistor, and magnetic resonance imaging—relied on understanding quantum mechanics through simplified models. However, such approaches cannot address the behavior of complex quantum phenomena arising in systems with many interacting components. The promise of quantum science and technology depends on overcoming this obstacle by building a well-controlled, well-characterized quantum system that can reliably simulate the behavior of matter at small scales. Such a quantum simulator will represent a landmark in our understanding of quantum phenomena. The Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation will address this goal by combining theoretical studies with experimental implementations on several leading hardware platforms. In addition, the Institute will work to address the shortage of talent caused by rapid growth of quantum industry by training and mentoring graduate students and postdocs. New K-12 curricula will make quantum concepts more attractive and accessible to a diverse set of youth, ensuring the long-term future of the workforce. University courses developed in partnership with minority-serving institutions will engage a broader set of students in quantum science and technology. Workshops and degree programs for professionals will offer a clear perspective on the possible utility of quantum science and technology.The Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation will use quantum simulation to gain insight into, and thereby exploit, the rich behavior of complex quantum systems. Combining expertise in computer science, engineering, and physics, the team will address the grand challenge of robustly simulating classically intractable quantum systems of practical interest by exploring the theoretical foundations of quantum algorithms and error correction in conjunction with experimental implementations of reconfigurable quantum simulators on four leading hardware platforms: trapped ions, arrays of Rydberg atoms, quantum photonics with solid-state defects, and superconducting circuits. The team will employ tight collaboration between theory and experiment to co-design near-term simulation protocols with current and next-generation devices, with joint development of optical and microwave control techniques across different experimental platforms facilitating rapid advances in system size and controllability. Three major challenges facing the attempts to realize quantum simulators will be addressed: verifying the correctness of quantum simulations, characterizing and mitigating noise, and developing large-scale systems capable of advancing science and technology. Researchers will engage the broader research community with events including summer schools and a new flagship conference on quantum simulation. They will create outreach and education programs that engage diverse groups of students in quantum science, introduce cross-disciplinary undergraduate specializations in quantum information, and provide quantum information training for postgraduates and professionals.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.