Michigan Researchers Race to Revolutionize Quantum Technology
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A University of Michigan team is vying for a meaningful share of a $50 million grant to develop quantum technologies ready for real-world applications. The team, part of a dozen research groups competing for the National Science Foundation (NSF) funding, has already secured a $1 million grant to advance their project, Quantum Photonic Integration and Deployment (QuPID), over the next year.
QuPID aims to create the first chips capable of harnessing the unparalleled precision of light for practical, field-based measurements using quantum semiconductors. Collaborating with industry leaders, the researchers are developing quantum systems for high-accuracy measurements.
“We’re essentially trying to build quantum gadgets and demonstrate their performance so that they can be integrated into other user’s devices. Whether that’s AI, measuring the purity of a liquid, or predicting major storms up to months in advance,” says Mackillo Kira, U-M professor of electrical engineering and computer science and the project’s principal investigator.
The potential applications are vast, ranging from highly sensitive environmental monitoring and GPS-free navigation to precise semiconductor chip quality control and detailed geological mapping from aerial or satellite platforms.
The challenge, as Parag Deotare, U-M associate professor and deputy project director, explains, lies in bridging the gap between laboratory demonstrations and widespread real-world use.
“Transforming the quantum advantage demonstrated in labs to serve widespread applications in the real world comes down to simplifying and packaging the instrumentation needed to manipulate and measure the properties of light,” Deotare states.
A key element of their approach is the progress of a novel material: ferroelectric nitrides. These materials offer a unique combination of properties.
“No other material has shown such promise as an all-in-one quantum-integration solution,” notes Zetian Mi,U-M professor of electrical engineering and computer science and a co-principal investigator.
Ferroelectric nitrides can generate and detect quantum entangled light, maintain internal quantum states, and efficiently convert light across a wide spectrum—all on a single chip. Their compatibility with existing silicon-based microelectronics is a significant advantage, facilitating a smooth transition from laboratory prototypes to commercially viable chips.
The research team brings together expertise in quantum theory, materials science, and device integration, ensuring a complete approach to this groundbreaking technology. The potential impact on various sectors, from environmental monitoring to advanced manufacturing, is substantial, positioning the U-M team at the forefront of the quantum revolution.
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Quantum Leap Forward: Consortium aims to Revolutionize Technology
A groundbreaking consortium of researchers and industry partners is poised to revolutionize quantum technology, aiming to build real-world quantum devices with the potential to reshape numerous sectors. This enterprising project, fueled by a significant investment from the National Science Foundation (NSF), brings together leading experts from across the nation and internationally.
The core team is led by a trio of prominent scientists: [Name], who specializes in [area of expertise]; Jelena Vučković, professor of electrical engineering at Stanford University, focusing on quantum photonic devices; and zheshen Zhang, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan, contributing expertise in quantum sensing. Their combined knowledge forms the bedrock of this ambitious undertaking.
The collaborative effort, known as QuPID, extends far beyond its core leadership. Researchers from a diverse range of prestigious institutions are involved, including ohio State University, Harvard University, Michigan State University, the University of Arizona, and the University of Southern California.This broad network ensures a multifaceted approach to tackling the challenges inherent in quantum technology development.
The project also boasts an notable roster of industry partners, underscoring the significant commercial potential of this research. Major players such as Honeywell, Intel, Raytheon, and several other technology leaders are contributing their expertise and resources. Government agencies are also involved,with participation from the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Glenn Research center. International collaboration further strengthens the initiative, with contributions from the University of Regensburg in Germany and Polytechnique Montréal in Canada.
The NSF’s commitment to this project is substantial. By the end of 2025, the QuPID team will submit a comprehensive proposal outlining their most promising applications.If successful, they will receive an additional $4 million over two years to advance their lab-based demonstrations. This is part of a larger NSF initiative, with eight teams initially receiving funding, and a further six selected to receive up to $50 million over five years to build fully functional, real-world quantum devices.
The team will leverage state-of-the-art facilities to achieve its goals. The Lurie Nanofabrication Facility and the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization, along with individual faculty labs, will play crucial roles in the production and analysis of quantum materials.This access to cutting-edge resources is vital for the success of this ambitious project.
The potential impact of QuPID’s work is immense. Successful development of these quantum devices could lead to breakthroughs in various fields, from medicine and materials science to computing and dialog. This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards a future shaped by the transformative power of quantum technology.
Revolutionary Quantum Chips: A Q&A with Dr. Mackillo Kira
A University of Michigan-led team is pushing the boundaries of quantum technology, aiming to develop real-world applications for this powerful, yet nascent, field. Could this be the
dawn of a new technological era?
from Lab to Life: Building Usable Quantum Gadgets
senior Editor, World-Today News: Dr. Kira, congratulations on securing this notable grant from the NSF.Can you tell us a bit about the QuPID project and its ambitious goals?
Dr. Mackillo Kira: Thank you. We’re incredibly excited about the QuPID project. Essentially, our team is working towards building the first quantum chips capable of harnessing the unique properties of light for practical, field-based measurements. we envision these chips being integrated into various devices, enabling groundbreaking applications in diverse fields like environmental monitoring, navigation, and even medical diagnostics.
Bridging the Gap: From Quantum Advantage to Real-World Solutions
Senior Editor: That sounds remarkable! But you mentioned “practical applications.” What are some of the hurdles you need to overcome to make this a reality?
Dr. Kira: One of the biggest challenges is bridging the gap between laboratory demonstrations and real-world deployment. Existing quantum systems are frequently enough bulky and complex, requiring specialized environments to operate. Our goal is to miniaturize and simplify these systems, making them robust and accessible for use in everyday devices.
The Power of Ferroelectric Nitrides: A Breakthrough Material
Senior Editor: You’re working with a novel material, ferroelectric nitrides. What makes them so special?
Dr. Kira: Ferroelectric nitrides possess a unique combination of properties essential for quantum technology. They can generate and detect quantum entangled light, maintain quantum states, and efficiently convert light across a wide spectrum—all on a single chip. This versatility, coupled with its compatibility with existing silicon
technology, makes them an ideal platform for building next-generation quantum devices.
Senior Editor: What are some specific applications that could be impacted by this technology?
Dr. Kira: The possibilities are truly exciting. Imagine sensors capable of detecting minute changes in environmental conditions with unprecedented accuracy, leading to more effective climate monitoring and pollution control. Or, think about medical devices that can diagnose diseases at the molecular level, revolutionizing healthcare.
A Collaborative Effort: Academia and Industry Working Together
Senior Editor: This project involves a significant collaboration between university researchers and industry partners. How crucial is this partnership?
Dr. Kira: Absolutely vital. Academic researchers like us bring cutting-edge knowledge and expertise in quantum science, while our industry partners provide invaluable insights into manufacturing, scaling up production, and realizing commercially viable applications. This collaborative approach is essential to turn the promise of quantum technology into tangible solutions.
Senior Editor: thank you,Dr. Kira. Yoru work with QuPID is incredibly exciting, and we look forward to seeing the groundbreaking advancements you and your team achieve.
