Quantum's immense power and potential offers limitless opportunities on a global scale. As a leader in this field focused on driving innovation and promoting economic growth, the University of Illinois System plays a critical role in its broad activation. Case in point, fresh news from Gov. JB Pritzker's office about the new federal- and state-funded Quantum Proving Ground.
But what is quantum? Why should people care?
In short, it’s a large body of technological advancements poised to touch many facets of daily life — from consumer goods distribution to research for combatting disease and mitigating climate change to succeeding in a world economy. Computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and a host of other experts around the globe are exploring and pooling knowledge in the name of progress.
Brian DeMarco answers questions to help us all gain understanding about the quantum realm. DeMarco is director of IQUIST at The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
What is quantum information science?
Quantum information science harnesses how energy and matter act at the smallest levels to process and transmit valuable information. Quantum computers can complete incredibly hard tasks better and faster than today’s fastest supercomputers.
Important problems exist that only large-scale quantum computers will ever solve. These include how electrons carry current without electrical resistance in a superconductor, which could revolutionize the energy grid.
What leadership roles does the U of I System play in this space?
UIUC is part of one of the top hubs for quantum research in the world, the Chicago Quantum Exchange. The hub includes the system’s private-university counterparts at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, as well as the University of Wisconsin, Purdue University, and national labs Argonne and Fermilab.
In addition, four of the 10 national centers created by congress to focus on accelerating quantum research and development are here in Illinois. The U of I System has a role in each of the four and leadership roles in three.
Why is quantum computing challenging?
While bits, the ones and zeroes that make traditional computing possible, are digital, quantum’s qubits are different. Their non-linear power is both fragile and difficult to manage.
UIUC is a powerhouse in advancing the forefront of quantum computing.
- To make it easier to build bigger quantum computers, Angela Kou is creating superconducting qubits that can work at higher temperatures.
- Wolfgang Pfaff and his team are developing the science and technology to create quantum computers that use swappable modules for upgradability.
- Andre Schleife is creating methods to use quantum computers to enhance our understanding of materials problems like corrosion.
- Santiago Nunez-Corrales and Bruno Abreau are working at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications to make quantum computing accessible to more researchers.
Why is quantum computing important for the public good?
Our world is filled with challenges and opportunities. Collecting, assessing, and using data to create positive breakthroughs requires the complexity and speed quantum computing can deliver.
Quantum computing will reshape society in ways we can hardly imagine. Some applications are already emerging, including improving financial fraud detection, which costs the United States $85 billion in annual losses and disproportionately impacts underserved communities. Quantum computers may also revolutionize drug discovery, weather forecasting, and energy storage.
