An enhanced understanding of the laws of quantum mechanics is enabling a quantum revolution that promises to transform a vast range of technologies.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is leading the way.
With diverse capabilities to support materials synthesis, fabrication, and characterization, ORNL researchers are exploring new approaches to storing, measuring, and transferring information via four primary capabilities: quantum materials, quantum networking, quantum computing, and quantum sensing.
This effort supports the National Quantum Initiative and requires multidisciplinary teams skilled in three critical areas of research:
synthesizing, characterizing, and measuring properties of quantum materials
developing sensing techniques to reduce quantum noise
designing quantum algorithms for use on quantum devices
ORNL researchers collaborated with Google and NASA to demonstrate that a quantum computer can outperform a classical computer—a feat known as quantum supremacy—on ORNL’s Summit, an IBM system that has been ranked the world's most powerful supercomputer since June 2018.
To accelerate discovery and predictive understanding of quantum materials, researchers leverage Lab leadership in high-performance computing, neutron scattering, condensed matter sciences, and data analytics. These capabilities, along with specialized facilities and strategic internal investments, are enabling Lab staff to explore the use of a range of quantum materials, from graphene to quantum spin liquids, in revolutionizing numerous technologies.
ORNL is a leader in the development of quantum networking technologies, including the distribution of entanglement, quantum communication, quantum key distribution, and quantum repeaters. Lab researchers have established a robust portfolio of more than a dozen quantum communications-related inventions that are available for either research or commercial license.
The Lab’s quantum computing effort leverages partnerships with academia, industry, and government to accelerate the application of near-term quantum computing resources in tackling complex scientific challenges. In addition, the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility’s Quantum Computing User Program provides early access to existing commercial quantum computing systems while supporting the development of future quantum programmers through educational outreach and internship programs.
The Lab has dedicated research staff tasked with reducing quantum noise and controlling and correcting errors, both of which are critical to advancing a range of quantum technologies, from computing to information transfer to imaging. Sensing techniques developed in ORNL’s state-of-the-art quantum optics labs have improved measurements in facilities across the Lab, including the Institute for Functional Imaging of Materials and the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences.
