A team led by The University of New Mexico has received a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue research on the design and development of a photonic quantum computer. The funding comes through the NSF’s National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) program, which seeks to advance quantum technology in the United States.
The project, called “Quantum Computing Applications of Photonics,” began its pilot phase in August 2024 with an initial $1 million investment. It is headed by Marek Osinski, Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UNM. Collaborators include New Mexico State University, University of Virginia, University of Maryland, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
This initiative aims to develop a photonic quantum computer capable of operating at room temperature. Most existing quantum computers require extremely low temperatures to function. The team’s approach uses Gaussian boson sampling and photonics implementation to address this limitation, moving toward a fully integrated chip rather than traditional laboratory optical tables.
UNM is one of four teams nationwide selected for the NQVL program’s design phase. The NSF’s total investment in this initiative amounts to $16 million.
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) commented on the award: “I’m thrilled that UNM, Los Alamos and Sandia National Labs have been selected by the U.S. National Science Foundation to lead the design of a photonic quantum computer. This investment underscores New Mexico’s leadership in science and innovation, and it will help strengthen and grow our world-class workforce right here at home. By bringing together our students, researchers, and labs on the cutting edge of quantum technology, we are solidifying New Mexico’s leadership in driving the future of discovery and opportunity.”
According to Osinski: “Quantum Information Science and Engineering promises to accelerate information processing far beyond classical limits, enabled by the differences in the foundational natural laws of classical and quantum physics. The NSF NQVL Quantum Computing Applications of Photonics (QCAP) project is dedicated to developing integrated hardware and software solutions that overcome current limitations in scalability and reliability. It provides a comprehensive technical approach to overcoming the intrinsic challenges of current quantum photonic devices.”
Further details about the NQVL initiative can be found on the NSF website.
