Quantum Phononics to Advance Quantum Information Processing
Abstract
The primary goal of this proposed work is to advance and exploit the unique opportunities that acoustical systems offer for quantum information processing. Specifically, we endeavor to use the ways that sound is distinct from electromagnetic phenomena to break through barriers in advancing quantum technology. Sound is distinct from light in that it- 1.) travels about 100,000 times more slowly, 2.) does not propagate through vacuum, and 3.) is fundamentally a wave of material stress and strain. Our proposal develops systems whose coherence and functionality benefit from their coupling to carefully engineered acoustic elements. It comprises three major activities (MAs). In MA1, we attack the discrepancy between the phonon coherence observed in purely acoustical resonators and that observed in electronically or optically functional acoustical devices. In MA2 we study and block decoherence in superconducting qubits that is caused by phonons, either directly, or as mediated by microscopic two-level systems. In doing so we will create superconducting qubits and circuit quantum acousto-dynamical (CQAD) systems that are much more compact than the most coherent superconducting circuit quantum electrodynamical (CQED) systems. In MA3, we will develop the use of acoustical modes as a means of control of, and communication between, solid state spin qubits- namely nitrogen vacancy (NV) and silicon vacancy (SiV) centers in diamond and silicon carbide, and electron bubbles in solidified noble gases. Each MA progresses from preliminary scientific investigations to impactful demonstrations of quantum technology. In addition to the progress in quantum technology, research in these MAs is chosen to yield new fundamental understanding of acoustics as a medium with which to store, manipulate, and transduce quantum information. In MA1 we investigate the limits to acoustical coherence in electrically and optically functional devices. In MA2 we investigate the role phonons play in decohering all superconducting qubits. In MA3 we study the microscopic interaction of acoustical strain with localized defect electron spins in crystalline solids. If successful, the research will yield a 1.) technology platform capable of integrating superconducting qubits on a chip that overcomes scaling barriers associated with circuit size and cross-talk, 2.) robust quantum repeaters with both efficient transduction between photonic and matter qubits and long-lived matter qubits. More generally, it will extend the use of acoustical devices from classical signal processing applications into the quantum domain. This progress will advance DoD efforts to build quantum computing and secure communications systems and may find application in navigation and magnetometry. This program will also be used to train students and postdocs at leading US universities in quantum information science and engineering.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310333
Entities
People
- Konrad W. Lehnert
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Regents of the University of Colorado
- United States Air Force