Quantum Science Center: A Partnership to Drive the the Development of New Quantum Technologies

August 26, 2020
QSC logo

Professors Amir Yacoby and Prineha Narang (SEAS) have partnered with 15 institutions across the national lab, academia, and private industry landscapes to realize the potential of quantum information science through the establishment of the Quantum Science Center. 

Transforming the nation’s ability to innovate and, in turn, drive its economy in the 21st century requires revolutionary approaches to computing and sensing. In order to accelerate innovation, we need new technologies to accurately predict, detect, and model the complex world around us in areas such as energy generation and efficiency, national security, new materials discovery, and revealing fundamental physical phenomena. An opportunity now exists to deliver the needed advances in computation and sensing by developing a new generation of technologies that exploits the quantum nature of materials.

The QSC is dedicated to overcoming key roadblocks in quantum state resilience, controllability, and ultimately scalability of quantum technologies. The QSC aims to demonstrate controlled interactions between topological states, or Majorana zero modes, to realize scalable topological quantum computation; to implement improved quantum detectors to allow unprecedented insight into correlations within quantum materials and gain sensitivity to primordial dark matter in new regimes; and to develop more accurate prediction and greater understanding of quantum materials, chemistry, and quantum field theories through quantum algorithm research and implementation.

Integral to the activities of the QSC is the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers by actively engaging students and postdoctoral associates in research activities, offering a rich environment for professional development. Further, by working in close conjunction with industry from its inception, the QSC will strongly couple its basic science foundation and technology development pathways to transition applications to the private sector.

In addition to Harvard University, members of the QSC include Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Caltech, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Fermilab, Purdue University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, ColdQuanta, Inc., Microsoft, University of Maryland, IBM, Princeton University, UC Berkeley, University of Tennessee14, University of Washington, and UC Santa Barbara.

To learn more, please visit the Center website