Press Releases:
Quantum Tech Portfolio:
Scalable Quantum Sensor Arrays (Case No. 2024-080)
UCLA researchers led by Professor David Leibrandt have developed a novel scalable, multi-pixel quantum sensor array. Unlike traditional systems, it leverages quantum mechanical properties of atoms or molecules, which can be neutral or charged. These elements are selected for their high sensitivity to specific signals, enabling precise detection of energy shifts or transitions between quantum states. Based on sensing needs, this platform can be easily modified to use entangled states to enhance sensitivity further, overcoming previous limitations and enabling the characterization of signals like electric or magnetic fields emanating from circuits. Additionally, this technology introduces the ability to sense vector signals or images, which is a considerable advancement over the scalar signal detection, which can only quantify signal intensity, offered by prior sensing technologies.
Topological Qubits Based on Square-Root Graphene Nanoribbons Induced by Electric Fields (Case No. 2024-192)
Researchers have developed a new class of GNRs with unique topology induced by an electric stimulus. This bottom-up approach uses monomer precursors to produce chevron-shaped GNRs. Compared to standard top-down approaches, bottom-up design offers numerous advantages. These include atomic-level precision, improved manufacturing control & synthesis, scalability, cost efficiency, and the potential to design materials for novel properties. Importantly, the boundary states between the GNR features can be predicted and physically adjusted by simply altering the direction of the electric field. Given that the boundary state can be switched using these GNRs, they are well-suited for quantum electronics and quantum computing applications. The inventors anticipate that this novel synthesis method could be extended to other substrates, including semiconductors, metals, and dielectrics, and to environments in the liquid and gas phases. Overall, this new class of material has myriad applications for next-generation electrical systems.
A Library of Layered Hybrid Superlattices and Artificial Quantum Solids (Case No. 2024-098)
Researchers led by Professors Xiangfeng Duan and Yu Huang have developed a novel library of these quantum superlattices composed of two-dimensional atomic crystals (2DACs). The synthetic method allows for modular design of number of layers as well as interlayer spacing, breaking the fundamental limits previously set by thermodynamics by exploiting kinetic stability. The platform is not limited to the demonstrated examples, but rather is amenable to nearly infinite combinations. This technique will facilitate the design of novel materials for the investigation of electronic, photonic and quantum phenomena beyond existing limitations.
Scalable Multi-Party Networks for High-Rate Entanglement Distribution and Quantum Communications (Case No. 2024-011)
Fully secure quantum networks are essential in achieving efficient and rapid quantum computing. These networks connect distant quantum computers and increase the computational volume that is distributed. Existing technologies suffer from rate limitations and low efficiencies. Cost, material, and equipment issues further limit the widespread use of these networks. There remains an unmet need for a scalable quantum network with higher information capacity, robustness, and enhanced security. Professor Chee Wei Wong and his team have developed a scalable quantum network with high-dimensional entanglement. This system allows for higher information capacity with reduced errors over long distances. An additional module allows for channel security monitoring. The use of wavelength and time-division multiplexing gives rise to a scalable quantum network with a reduced number of required channels and equipment per user. This technology significantly improves rates and reduces equipment demands to a single unit per user.
Contracted Quantum Eigensolver for Excited States (Quantum Algorithm) (Case No. 2023-180)
Prineha Narang and her team have developed a new quantum algorithm for calculating the excited states using a contracted quantum eigensolver (ES-CQE). ES-CQE uses a contraction of the Schrödinger equation to arrive at a final algorithm which is used to calculate energy states. The algorithm has been used for calculations of molecular orbitals of a rectangular system and can be expanded to other symmetrical cases. This system offers improved speed and accuracy compared to existing methods. The reported technology is as accurate as the Full Configuration Interaction (FCI), which is a computationally expensive but highly precise method for solving electronic structure problems. This algorithm can advance the field of quantum computing by providing accurate and efficient excited state calculations. Related Papers: Smart, S. E., Welakuh, D. M., Narang, P. Many-Body Excited States with a Contracted Quantum Eigensolver. arXiv:2305.09653 [quant-ph]. https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.09653
Quantum Cross-Resonator Spectrometer (Case No. 2023-181)
Researchers Prof. Prineha Narang, Dr. Ioannis Petrides and Dr. Jonathan Curtis have developed a novel method of probing the complex dielectric function. This method uses the coupling of photonic modes to establish a connection between the projective measurement of photon occupation and the quantum metric which characterizes the space of the states and is directly determined by the dielectric function. The proposed quantum protocol uses a minimum number of sample points to maximize the accuracy of the projective measurement and minimize the experimental uncertainty. This method is applicable across a broad spectrum of experimental platforms, including in the optical, and microwave regimes. Related Papers: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2310.16174
Molecular Quantum Random Access Memory (Case No. 2023-182)
Professors Prineha Narang and Paul Weiss have engineered a quantum information system through self-assembly of chiral molecules, demonstrating the potential for room-temperature functionality and scalability compared to existing qRAM technologies. This innovative molecular qRAM device comprises a single layer of chiral molecules on a solid-state substrate, forming a sandwich structure, and utilizes chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS). By harnessing the CISS phenomenon, these molecules or materials can selectively transport electrons with specific spin orientations, presenting a unique avenue for spin generation and control. The experimental demonstration of the CISS effect at room temperature indicates the device's capability to operate at elevated temperatures, surpassing the current limitations of existing qRAM technologies. Its self-assembly process and straightforward fabrication allow for scalability to larger sizes. Furthermore, the inherent tunability and flexibility of individual quantum states through chemical synthesis enable precise manipulation of qubits. Additionally, the molecular system shows promise as long-range quantum information transducers and for other applications, opening pathways for advanced quantum communication and processing technologies. Related Papers: Liu Tianhan, and Paul S. Weiss. "Spin Polarization in Transport Studies of Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity." ACS nano 17.20 (2023): 19502-19507. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.3c06133
Simulation of Open Quantum Systems via Low-Depth Convex Unitary Evolutions (Case No. 2023-183)
This method simplifies the process by breaking down the representation of the quantum state in a straightforward manner. Their approach has several benefits. First, it doesn't rely on complex frameworks, which helps to reduce errors and makes the calculations simpler. Second, they've found a clever way to make the simulations more efficient by adding a random sampling technique directly into the hardware. This means they can run simulations faster and handle larger quantum systems without overwhelming the computer. One tricky thing about simulating quantum systems is that they can grow very quickly in complexity. However, the UCLA team has found a workaround. They limit the number of simulations they need to run by using a specific number of sample circuits. This helps to manage the computational challenges and keeps the simulations from becoming too overwhelming. Related Papers: Joseph Peetz, Scott E. Smart, Spyros Tserkis, Prineha Narang, Simulation of Open Quantum Systems via Low-Depth Convex Unitary Evolutions, July 2023
Polyqubit Encoding for Quantum Information Processing (Case No. 2023-006)
Professor Wesley Campbell and Professor Eric Hudson have developed a method called polyqubit processing within trapped atom quantum processors. This innovation successfully demonstrates a way to encode multiple qubits within a single atom and introduces techniques to perform operations and computations on these qubits without disturbing other qubits stored in the same atom. This achievement enables a higher level of information storage and manipulation within quantum systems. By utilizing the existing internal states of atomic processors, this polyqubit processing approach enables a more efficient utilization of resources and offers practical advantages due to the compatibility with standard binary quantum algorithms and qubit quantum error correction (QEC). Additionally, this method may potentially improve qubit fidelity, connectivity, and reduce shuttling needs.