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CU Boulder ready to leverage legacy in quantum science for technological advancement 

In the mid-20th century, physicists at Bell Laboratories ignited a technological renaissance with the invention of the transistor, an innovation that ushered in the digital age and is arguably one of the most significant technological advancements in human history. 

This relatively small device harnessed the principles of quantum mechanics to govern electric currents within semiconductor materials, rendering cumbersome vacuum tubes obsolete. It triggered a wave of advancements that are at the core of all modern communications and computing, as well as nearly every technology in use today. 

Today, researchers stand at the threshold of a new quantum era. “Quantum 2.0” is distinguished not just by incremental technological evolution but by the untapped potential of melding deep quantum science with cutting-edge engineering. 

“Though over a century old, quantum technology is undergoing a transformative phase. The first generation of quantum technology … relied on individual quantum particles. Now, we are working on quantum physics, which needs a combination of quantum particles to work together,” said Jun Ye, professor adjoint in the Department of Physics, JILA associate fellow and fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. “This shift will open avenues to revolutionary new technologies and applications.” 

CU Boulder and the College of Engineering and Applied Science are at the forefront of that quantum frontier, leveraging a rich legacy in quantum science and fostering a vibrant ecosystem where academic researchers, government and research laboratories and industry leaders collaborate to transform theories into real-world applications. 

CU’s bold initiatives have the potential to revolutionize sectors as diverse as aerospace, defense, healthcare and energy, offering innovative new approaches to tackle global challenges like climate change. 

The Quantum Engineering Initiative (QEI), under the auspices of the broader CU Boulder CUbit Initiative and led by CU Engineering, is specifically chartered to advance “foundational quantum science into practical technologies and ... prepare the workforce for the quantum industry,” said Scott Diddams, QEI director and professor of electrical, computer and energy engineering. “But we’re not just riding the wave of quantum advancements; we’re actively shaping it.” 

Diddams’s work, particularly in optical frequency metrology and laser frequency combs, is at the heart of QEI’s efforts and crucial to bridging theoretical quantum physics with practical applications. It opens new avenues in timekeeping, navigation and environmental monitoring. 

Diddams has deep expertise in quantum sensing, which harnesses quantum phenomena for high-precision measurement of physical quantities such as time, frequency, length, magnetic fields and gravitational waves. 

Quantum sensors have the potential to greatly enhance GPS accuracy and advance environmental and health diagnostics — and even fundamental quantum research itself. He also sees significant potential in quantum computing and secure communication technologies. 

Greg Rieker, associate director of CUbit and associate professor of mechanical engineering, stands out for his practical application of quantum science. 

Leveraging research from his Precision Laser Diagnostics Lab, Rieker launched a startup, LongPath Technologies, which specializes in advanced laser technology for environmental sensing, focusing on methane emission detection. 

“Quantum is the new ‘space race,’” Rieker said. “It’s the technologies developed on the pathway to big leaps like quantum computing that will find practical applications.” 

In the world of quantum computing, where hype has often exceeded realities, Corey Rae McRae, a research professor of electrical, computer and energy engineering and a project leader at NIST Boulder, takes a grounded approach. 

Her Boulder Cryogenic Quantum Testbed, established with funding from Google Quantum AI, is focused on improving the materials used in qubit construction — developing precise metrological techniques for these materials to improve efficiency and stability. 

An integral part of McRae’s work is the development of specialized toolkits that aim to standardize and streamline quantum computing research and establish CU Boulder as a key contributor to setting standards in the quantum computing field. 

Diddams acknowledges the obstacles on the horizon of Quantum 2.0 technology, but he remains optimistic. 

“CU is really uniquely situated in this environment,” he said. “We’re poised to become a key player in Colorado’s ‘quantum valley.’” 

What is quantum science? 

Rooted in the enigmatic principles of quantum mechanics, it explores the realm of atoms and subatomic particles — shedding light on nature’s mysterious and often counterintuitive behaviors at its smallest scales. Central to this field are phenomena like superposition, where particles can simultaneously exist in multiple states, and entanglement, which allows particles to exhibit instantly correlated behaviors over long distances. By demystifying and harnessing these quantum behaviors, scientists and engineers are simultaneously deepening their understanding of the quantum world while paving the way for pioneering advancements in computing, communications, security, sensing techniques, novel materials and energy solutions. 

Quantum partners 

CU Boulder collaborates with several regional universities, laboratories and quantum-intensive companies. These partnerships are vital to advancing quantum information science and technology and contribute to a broad spectrum of interests, including workforce development. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): 

• NIST and CU Boulder jointly operate JILA, focusing on advanced quantum and physical sciences research. 
• NIST researchers often hold faculty roles at CU Boulder, enabling joint research and expertise exchange, including through QEI. 
• The partnership enriches educational and training programs in quantum science. 
• Joint efforts contribute to developing quantum technologies like sensors and computing systems. 
• NIST provides grants for quantum research at CU Boulder. 
• Both institutions work on initiatives to prepare a skilled quantum workforce. 

Lockheed Martin and Boeing collaborate with CU Boulder for advancements in quantum information science and technology, contributing to the broader quantum ecosystem. 

Atom Computing Inc. is a quantum computing hardware platform provider, working with CU Boulder’s CUbit Quantum Initiative to drive R&D and talent development in quantum computing. 

Infleqtion specializes in quantum technology and collaborates with CU Boulder in research and development in quantum science and technology. 

Elevate Quantum Consortium has been designated a Regional Technology Hub for Quantum Information Technology by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration; it works to maintain the leadership of Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming in quantum technology. 

LongPath Technologies helps fight climate change by utilizing Nobel Prize-winning dual-comb laser technology from NIST and CU Boulder to monitor methane emissions from oil wells. 

Meadowlark Optics Inc. focuses on optics and photonics, engaging in partnerships that provide insights into research and training and collaborating on workforce development programs. 

SPIE, an international society for optics and photonics, cooperates with CU Boulder to expand and accelerate quantum efforts, including providing opportunities for students and researchers 

Near- and long-term applications 

Within 5 years

Quantum Sensing: Advance high-precision measurement technologies, including the detection of physical quantities like magnetic fields and gravitational waves, driving scientific advancements and technological breakthroughs. 

Atomic Clocks: Enhance GPS accuracy, aid in space exploration and synchronize telecommunication networks, ensuring precise timekeeping for critical applications. 

Sensing Minute Quantities: In healthcare, safety, agriculture and scientific research, enable the detection of minute quantities, addressing challenges in disease detection, gas monitoring and crop management. 

5-10 years

Environmental Monitoring: Enable the detection of minute environmental changes, trace elements and pollutants, contributing to better environmental protection and management. 

Medical Diagnostics: Detect diseases early by identifying biomarkers at the molecular level. 

Secure Communication: Quantum key distribution helps to ensure secure communication, safeguarding sensitive information in an era of increasing cyber threats. 

Materials Science: Analysis at the quantum level facilitates development of materials with enhanced properties. 

Neuroimaging: Quantum research extends to the study of brain activity, offering novel insights into neuroimaging techniques. 

Medical Imaging/MRI: Quantum sensors find application in MRI machines, leading to more accurate medical imaging. 

Navigation and Communication (Space Exploration): Quantum expertise plays a pivotal role in space missions, including navigation, communication and conducting scientific experiments in deep space exploration. 

Geophysical Surveys (Oil and Gas Exploration): Quantum sensors contribute to geophysical surveys, supporting sustainable resource exploration. 

Longer-term

Quantum Computing: Pioneering work in quantum computing, alongside expertise in quantum sensors, fuels progress in various quantum computing applications, revolutionizing computation. 

Gravitational Wave Detection: Precision measurement capabilities enable the measurement of space-time distortions caused by celestial events, such as black hole mergers. 

Biological and Medical Research: Quantum sensors are instrumental in studying brain activity, biomolecule detection, and the development of advanced medical imaging techniques, facilitating breakthroughs in biological and medical research. 

Building 1 on NIST’s Boulder campus. Photo: R. Jacobson/NIST (from left); a quantum engineer inspects a vacuum component at Atom Computing in Boulder, Colorado, photo: Atom Computing; LongPath Technologies methane detection monitoring, photo: Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado.