U.S. DOD ARO - Quantum computing in the solid state with spin and superconducting systems (qc-s5)

The U.S. Army Research Office (ARO), in collaboration with the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS), is soliciting proposals for research in four research topic areas in the field of gate-based Quantum Computing (QC) in the Solid State with Spin and Superconducting qubit Systems (QC-S5 ).

The topic areas are as follows:
(A) Modular Quantum Gates (ModQ)
(B) Gates on Advanced qubits with Superior Performance (GASP)
(C) Fast control and readout schemes (FastCARS)
(D) Noise in solid-state spin and superconducting systems (NS5 )

Areas of Interest:

Topic A: The Modular Quantum Gates (ModQ) topic focuses on distributed quantum computing proof-of-concept demonstrations. For both Si-spin and superconducting qubit devices, the end goal of this topic is to demonstrate high fidelity and high speed two-qubit gates between separate quantum computing modules.

Topic B: The Gates on Advanced qubits with Superior Performance (GASP) topic aims to develop quantum gate protocols optimized for recently demonstrated, potentially superior, qubit approaches in both superconducting and leading semiconductor-spin systems. Superiority can be quantified in several ways such as longer lifetimes, less sensitivity to noise, ease of fabrication, relaxed environmental requirements etc. Superior performance on a particular metric must be achieved without sacrificing performance on other qubit metrics. The focus will be on high fidelity 1 & 2 qubit gates and readout for such promising new qubit designs.

Topic C: The Fast Control And Readout Schemes (FastCARS) topic is focused on novel qubit control and readout schemes. In particular, this topic addresses concepts for implementing closed loop control feedback for quantum operations, stabilization of quantum operation calibration against on-chip fluctuations through classical or autonomous mechanisms, quantization of control signal amplitude, or improved or novel readout schemes. Proposals must target a qubit system with a demonstrated universal gate set, well-understood two qubit gate operations, and with sufficient scale to understand the limitations imposed by multi-qubit operations.

Topic D: Noise in Solid-State Superconducting and Spin qubit Systems (NS5). The objective of the NS5 program is to improve qubit gate fidelities by finding techniques, materials and processes that substantially and consistently reduce noise in at least one of solid-state superconducting and spin systems. There are five subject areas of interest. The first subject area relates to reducing externally induced thermal noise that causes excess qubit excitation and decoherence. The second subject area is focused on reducing noise generated by materials causing excess qubit excitation and decoherence. The third subject area uses multiple qubit correlated noise to learn more about noise sources. The fourth subject is very similar to the third, but uses qubit sensors in combination with alternate environment sensors to learn more about noise sources. The final subject area concerns the injection of well characterized artificial noise and the correlation of that injected noise with qubit performance.

DEADLINE:

White Papers: 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time on 15 July 2022

Proposals: 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time on 30 September 2022

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit White Papers. The purpose of requesting a White Paper is to minimize the labor and cost associated with the production of a detailed proposal that has very little chance of being selected for funding. Based on assessment of the White Papers, feedback will be provided to an applicant to enable that applicant to make a determination as to whether they should submit a proposal.

ELIGIBILITY: EPFL researchers are eligible to participate.

HOW TO APPLY: This is a two step submission process. White Papers must be submitted electronically via e-mail to [email protected] . Proposals will submitted electronically using Grants.gov. Please contact the research office for the registration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please refer to the FOA W911NF-22-S-0006 and feel free to contact the Research Office or the agency technical contact [email protected] for any question or help.