News and Features
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X-ray imagery of vibrating diamond opens avenues for quantum sensing
Scientists map atomic vibrations in diamond, linking them with the behavior of the quantum system embedded within. The work advances quantum sensors, which will be significantly more precise than today’s detection tools. Read More
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New method could yield fast, cross-country quantum network
Scientists have struggled to come up with practical methods of building networks that can connect quantum computers. Now, researchers at the University of Chicago have proposed a new approach — building long quantum channels using vacuum sealed tubes with an array of spaced-out lenses. These vacuum beam guides would have ranges of thousands of kilometers and capacities of 10 trillion qubits per second, better than any existing quantum communication approach. Read More
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‘Quantum optical antennas’ provide more powerful measurements on the atomic level
From the University of Chicago: Researchers have never been able to tap the potentially huge intensity enhancements of some “atomic antennas” in solid materials simply because they were solids. Now, a multi-institutional team led by the University of Chicago's Alex High has cracked this problem. They have used germanium vacancy centers in diamonds to create an optical energy enhancement of six orders of magnitude, a regime challenging to reach with conventional antenna structures. Read More
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'Get entangled' with Eric Chitambar
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, theorist Eric Chitambar studies quantum communication. He is passionate about teaching and appreciates the strong collaborative spirit at UIUC, where his experimentalist colleagues help realize his group's ideas on hardware. Read More
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Stanford scientists bring crystal clarity to diamond’s quantum signals
In work supported by the Q-NEXT quantum center, a Stanford University group digs into diamond to find the source of its apparently temperamental nature when it comes to emitting quantum signals, widening a path for building quantum networks and sensors. Read More
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Quantum-themed LabEscape escape room a hit at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo
The Q-NEXT quantum center brings the world’s only science-themed escape room to the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, exposing hundreds of entertainment aficionados to the joys of science through puzzlement and play. Read More
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UW–Madison scientists develop most sensitive way to observe single molecules
From the University of Wisconsin–Madison: A research team at the University of Wisconsin–Madison led by Q-NEXT collaborator Randall Goldsmith has developed the most sensitive method yet for detecting and profiling a single molecule — unlocking a new tool that holds potential for better understanding how the building blocks of matter interact with each other. The new method could have implications for pursuits as varied as drug discovery and the development of advanced materials. Read More
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Design rules and synthesis of quantum memory candidates
From the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Researchers use density functional theory calculations to identify possible europium compounds to serve as a new quantum memory platform. They also synthesize one of the predicted compounds, a brand new, air-stable material that is a strong candidate for use in quantum memory Read More
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‘Ruler for light’ could enable detailed measurement in personal devices
Frequency combs have revolutionized precision measurement, but the bulky, power-hungry devices are limited to lab settings. A new efficient laser “microcomb” developed by Stanford researchers could bring that revolution to the handheld electronics realm. Read More
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Resurrecting niobium for quantum science
For years, niobium was considered an underperformer when it came to superconducting qubits. Now scientists supported by Q-NEXT have found a way to engineer a high-performing niobium-based qubit and so take advantage of niobium’s superior qualities. Read More
In the News
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Quantum engineering with Jelena Vučković
On the Zero Knowledge podcast, Stanford University's Jelena Vučković discusses different quantum technology platforms, how researchers are developing chip-scale quantum systems, and the implications these technologies have for communication and cryptography. Read More
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Boeing hits key milestone on path to quantum first in orbit
From Payload: HRL Laboratories has built a space-hardened quantum payload and demonstrated it on the ground — a key milestone in Boeing’s push to demonstrate the first quantum entanglement swap in space. Read More
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Decoding the Universe: Quantum
From PBS' Nova: David Awschalom and Nadya Mason appear in PBS’s Nova: ‘Decoding the Universe: Quantum’. The episode takes the viewer through the quantum physics' important discoveries, discoveries that paved the way for the digital technologies we enjoy today – and the powerful quantum sensors and computers of tomorrow. Read More
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Getting in line with Photon Queue
From the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Photon Queue is a quantum company startup mostly led by a group of PhD students from the lab of Paul Kwiat, a UIUC professor and Q-NEXT collaborator. The company is a participant in Cohort 4 of Duality, a Chicago-based accelerator program solely focused on supporting early-stage companies addressing the important challenges in building quantum tech. Photon Queue is the first startup from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to be accepted into the program and the first quantum-focused startup to come from the university. Read More
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DARPA’s Quantum Proving Ground — with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
From Protiviti's The Post-Quantum World podcast: Imagine 128 acres of land devoted to advancing quantum information science in a major city. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is expected to draw leading companies and researchers to Chicago, and DARPA is already playing a significant role. Host Konstantinos Karagiannis chats with UIUC's Brian DeMarco, a Q-NEXT collaborator, and Harley Johnson. Read More