Quantum information science research at UTD focuses on four main directions: quantum networking, quantum simulation, quantum materials development, and quantum computation.
Quantum information, unlike classical information, requires encoding, transfer, and decoding protocols that are fundamentally different, keeping quantum coherence alive while still having sufficient resources such as entanglement to enable secure transfer of information. Prof. Shengwang Du’s group focuses on the creation and manipulation of novel non-classical sources of light (flying qubits) using cold atomic rubidium gas. In collaboration with Prof. Chuanwei Zhang, they are working to bridge the gap from fundamental physics to applied engineering, particularly in efficient quantum interface, entanglement distribution, quantum routing, and distributed quantum information processing. Prof. Malko does related work on single photon generation using novel quantum materials for quantum communication.
Near-term quantum devices do not yet have the power to do universal quantum computation, but they are already capable to pushing beyond the limits of current computational power. Quantum simulation seeks to use these near-term quantum systems to simulate other problems of interest. Examples within the department include simulating non-Hermitian dynamics, unconventional topological states of matter, and Weyl semimetals (C. Zhang), as well as non-equilibrium topology and long-range-interacting spin systems (Kolodrubetz).
Quantum effects become increasingly relevant as materials are cooled down to low temperatures, and quantum materials use this to seek out novel phenomena. The rapid growth in new classes of quantum materials promises to revolutionize both classical technologies, such as computer chips and sensors, as well as quantum technologies such as next-generation quantum computers. Quantum materials research at UT Dallas includes: topological materials (Lv, F. Zhang), two-dimensional materials (Kolodrubetz, Lv, Shi, C. Zhang, F. Zhang), and novel superconductors (Lv, F. Zhang, Zahkidov).
Quantum computing research in the physics department at UT Dallas takes two forms. First, multiple groups are developing quantum materials and devices that have the potential to lead to new quantum bits (qubits) with physical properties that make them preferable to current state-of-the-art qubits (Lv, Shi, F. Zhang). Second, we are theoretically investigating procedures for improving the performance of existing qubit architectures (C. Zhang) and exploring the fundamental limits placed on quantum algorithms by their many-body quantum hardware (Kolodrubetz, C. Zhang).
Our research is funded by Department of Energy, Army Research Office, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Office of Navy Research, National Science Foundation, Welch Foundation, and other funding agencies.