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 by hosting a multidisciplinary team of world-renowned researchers, including partners from major corporations, universities, and other national laboratories.
Using diverse capabilities and a theory-driven understanding of the quantum world, ORNL scientists are conducting a wide variety of quantum research efforts, from developing and benchmarking scalable, fault-tolerant algorithms to designing quantum sensors. Other projects focus on synthesizing and characterizing superconducting and topological materials, as well as engineering the most promising candidates as quantum-classical systems for next-generation computing, sensing, and networking.
Materials for computing
Materials for sensing
Materials for networking
The new Quantum Science Center, one of five new Department of Energy Office of Science National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, is headquartered at ORNL. The QSC harnesses the facilities and expertise provided by the Lab and its partner organizations to overcome key roadblocks in quantum state resilience, controllability, and ultimately the scalability of quantum technologies.
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.
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.
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.
