NIU joins national quantum research effort led by Fermilab

DEKALB, IL — NIU’s drive to advance quantum-related research just took a major leap forward. The university has joined a select group of institutions advancing the frontiers of quantum information science through its new partnership in the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center, led by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the SQMS Center is one of five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers created under the National Quantum Initiative Act to accelerate progress in quantum computing, sensing and materials. Andreas Glatz, NIU Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor in the Department of Physics, serves as principal investigator on the project. This fall, DOE renewed the center’s funding with an additional $125 million over five years, marking the launch of “SQMS 2.0.” As part of the renewed collaboration, NIU became an official research partner. The partnership will support two NIU physics graduate students and strengthen NIU’s growing focus on quantum research. “This is a big step for NIU and our physics department,” said Andreas Glatz, NIU Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor in the Department of Physics and principal investigator on the project. “It’s one of the first funded quantum research projects here at NIU, and it places us in the middle of a major national effort. It also opens the door for our students to gain hands-on experience in one of the most promising areas of modern science.” Leveraging NIU’s Center for Research Computing and Data, Glatz and his team will use large-scale simulations to study the superconducting qudit devices, which are based on Josephson Junctions, in their cavity environments. Josephson Junctions are quantum devices made of two superconductors separated by a thin insulating barrier.

The team will study heat transport to identify potential hot-spots and trapped flux dynamics in qudit devices during their operation in cryogenic environments. Both topics are aimed at identifying limiting factors for the coherence of such devices, Glatz said. “While we have seen significant progress in the development of quantum technologies in the last decade or so, we are still at the stage where fundamental research is essential to improve the performance of quantum devices required for widespread use, but their potential is enormous,” he said. “Our work will help uncover the fundamental limits of these systems and contribute to building the reliable quantum computers of the future.” NIU also will play a role in workforce development initiatives led by the SQMS Center, which include joint courses, workshops and summer schools to prepare the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. “Beyond our research contributions, NIU is deeply committed to developing the future quantum workforce,” said Vishnu Zutshi, chair of the Department of Physics. “We’re especially proud to have recently launched a new master’s specialization in Quantum Science and Technology in collaboration with Fermilab, which positions our students to lead in this rapidly evolving field.” The university’s close proximity to Fermilab, located about 45 minutes away in Batavia, Ill., will allow for frequent collaboration. “Being so close geographically is a huge advantage,” Glatz said. “It allows for regular interaction between NIU students and Fermilab scientists, which benefits both sides. NIU can become a hub for regional quantum education and training.” Founded in 2020, the SQMS Center brings together more than 40 institutions and 300 scientists and engineers across the United States and Europe. The center’s mission is to develop and deploy superconducting technologies for quantum computing and sensing. These innovations are expected to transform industries ranging from energy and communication to medicine and national security. In a press release issued by Fermilab, SQMS Center Director Anna Grassellino said the center’s research during the past five years has helped redefine what’s possible in quantum technology. “This renewal allows us to build on that foundation and take the next leap: moving from discovery to deployment,” she said. “Together with our partners across national labs, universities and industry, we’re poised to scale quantum systems to a level that will unlock powerful new tools for science, technology and society.” The collaboration underscores NIU’s expanding leadership in cutting-edge physics and computational research. “This partnership gives us momentum and visibility in one of the most exciting scientific frontiers today,” Glatz said. Media Contact: Jami Kunzer About NIU Northern Illinois University is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university, with expertise that benefits its region and spans the globe in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, humanities, arts, business, engineering, education, health and law.

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