QS1
Recent technical advances have brought us closer to realizing practical quantum simulators, artificial quantum many-body systems that can controllably simulate complicated naturally occurring quantum phenomena, from solid-state materials and devices, to chemical and biochemical reactions, to the extreme conditions of particle physics and cosmology that cannot be otherwise readily probed in terrestrial laboratories. Quantum simulators are comprised of tens to tens of millions of entangled quantum elements implemented on a wide variety of atomic, molecular, optical, and condensed matter architectures, each with its strengths and weaknesses for solving particular classes of key quantum problems. They run the gamut from special purpose to highly programmable devices, with the potential to fill a critical gap between conventional supercomputers — which cannot efficiently simulate quantum systems — and fault-tolerant scalable digital quantum computers — which although universal, may be decades away from realization.
Decades of progress by single investigators have evolved the field to the tipping point where investing in programs that can bring together experimental scientists, theorists, computer scientists, and engineers will yield increasingly high returns. By pushing the technology towards utilitarian platforms that can tackle pressing scientific and industrial problems, we can bolster the Nation’s leadership in the quantum arena. In particular, we envision academic researchers will excel at technical breakthroughs; industry will provide perspective on when research advances are ready for transitioning to eventual commercial-scale systems for widespread availability; government and industry working together will contribute their deep understanding of how to scale up an R&D effort; and industry, academia, and government will collaborate to focus on practical problems aligned with the long-term interests of end-users. None of this is likely to converge and succeed without a dedicated government program. The government has the unique infrastructure and experience to spearhead novel technological capabilities and to create facilities focused on advancing quantum science.k8