Introduction
Our research focuses on attacking the major cross-cutting challenge in the field of QIS of extending the lifetime of quantum states. This lifetime, known as coherence time, is the length of time that a qubit can effectively store and process information.
Understanding and mitigating the physical processes that cause decoherence and limit the performance of superconducting qubits is critical to realizing next-generation quantum computers and sensors. Decoherence makes performing precise calculations with few to no errors a nontrivial task. This phenomenon is an obstacle researchers need to overcome to make quantum computers a viable technology.
The SQMS Center is taking a materials science-based approach to tackle this challenge. The Center has built a first-of-its-kind, broad coalition of experts studying quantum devices at the frontier of coherence, using the world’s most advanced characterization tools, including DOE accelerator-based user facilities.
Leveraging Fermilab’s unique expertise in building particle accelerators and cryogenics systems, the SQMS Center aims to bring critical technological capabilities to the QIS field, to scale up complex quantum systems successfully.
The Center brings together a coalition of hardware and applied researchers working in co-design, exploring early-stage applications of quantum technologies.
In alignment with Fermilab’s core mission in particle physics, the Center has already demonstrated the first applications of quantum sensors as detectors for new particles with world-leading sensitivity.
