South Dakota Mines has received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a Quantum Materials Institute focused on advancing quantum computing and secure quantum communications. The institute will collaborate with the NSF-funded MonArk Quantum Foundry to develop compact, efficient nonlinear optical systems from atomically thin 2D materials and metasurfaces. These innovations are expected to play a significant role in chip-scale integrated photonics and quantum networks. The award period will start on October 1, 2024 and is expected to continue until September 30, 2029.
The research team, led by Dr. Steve Smith, includes experts from nanoscience, biomedical engineering, physics, and chemistry. They will focus on understanding materials optimized for critical quantum communication processes, such as second harmonic generation and parametric down-conversion. This work is crucial for the development of quantum networks based on entangled photons.
The grant also supports the university’s efforts to expand its quantum curriculum, adding to the recently approved graduate and undergraduate certificates in quantum communications and a planned minor in Quantum Information Science (QIS). This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for U.S. graduates trained in QIS, a field with increasing industry and job market relevance.
Building on previous NSF awards, the Quantum Materials Institute represents a significant step in establishing a sustained and robust quantum research and education program at South Dakota Mines.
You can view a press release announcing this award on the South Dakota Mines website here. Also, an Award Abstract is available on the NSF website here.
August 29, 2024