DEPSCoR-CB- Growing the Quantum Information Science and Engineering Ecosystem at the University of New Mexico
Abstract
Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) is an interdisciplinary area of research of strategic importance to the United States and the focus of basic research across all agencies of the DoD in multiple technical areas, including physical science, engineering, and information science. The University of New Mexico (UNM) has a strong 25-year track record of excellence in QISE. The Center for Quantum Information and Control (CQuIC) is focused on theoretical foundations of QISE, while the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM) has a long record of conducting research on quantum photonic materials and devices. To expand competitiveness and responsiveness to the needs of the DoD, UNM s capacity in photonics-based experimental and system-level QISE must be enhanced. The goal of this proposal is to address UNM s bottlenecks and achieve capacity needs via three thrusts- Enhancing basic research capacity at UNM by hiring new faculty in photonics-based experimental and system-level QISE to provide synergy and critical mass in certain targeted areas of interest to the DoD, specifically in (1) quantum computing and (2) quantum communications; and (3) enhancing competitiveness for workforce development in QISE-relevant DoD focus areas. The DEPSCoR-CB program will implement Thrust 3 by creating a new interdisciplinary graduate degree program in QISE, with particular emphasis on recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented minority groups. A portion of the proposed budget will be used for establishment of graduate-level QISE teaching laboratories and purchasing related equipment. Growing UNM s capacity in photonics-based experimental and system-level QISE will enable UNM to build its regional partnerships with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM and with the sister AFRL lab in Rome, NY. Moreover, increased capacity at UNM will contribute to growing a regional quantum hub in New Mexico, including national laboratories (Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory), with the goal of addressing the National Quantum Initiative and related strategic goals of the United States Funding Opportunity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310496
Entities
People
- Ellen Fisher
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of New Mexico