Quantum information science (QIS) harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics, which govern matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels, to store, transmit, manipulate, compute, and measure information. At its core, QIS leverages quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement combined with information theory, to overcome limitations of current technology and deliver new breakthroughs. Superposition allows a quantum system to behave as though it exists in multiple states until it is observed. Entanglement describes a connection between multiple quantum states that become so intrinsically linked that the state of each system cannot be described independently of the others, no matter the distance between the systems.

The DOE Office of Science (SC) activities and efforts in QIS leverage its unique strengths to accelerate QIS technology development and advance DOE-mission-focused applications. Major contributions to the QIS ecosystem focus on the following areas:

  1. Supporting fundamental science with disruptive potential for computing, simulation, networking, and/or sensing and microscopy;
  2. Creating unique tools, equipment, infrastructure, and instrumentation that can unlock transformative new QIS capabilities;
  3. Advancing quantum technologies through their application to SC’s unique scientific challenge areas; and
  4. Establishing community resources, workforce opportunities, and industry partnerships that enable the entire QIS ecosystem to thrive.

SC's contributions to these four areas are achieved through support for basic and use-inspired QIS research across the breadth of its portfolio. It's executed with a multi-modal approach that includes large multidisciplinary centers, including DOE’s National QIS Research Centers (NQISRCs), single investigators and smaller teams, and enabling infrastructure and technologies, such as user facilities and testbeds. Each of SC’s six core science programs and the DOE Office of Isotope R&D and Production contribute to the development of QIS technologies and their use in scientific discovery. SC targets applications in four major areas:

  • Quantum computing is a new paradigm for manipulating information. Rather than relying on bits with the value of 1 or 0 as in “classical” computers, quantum computation uses qubits, which can exist in superposition or leverage entanglement. Quantum computers, while not a substitute for classical computers, have the promise to be extraordinarily powerful at solving problems across science, engineering, and technology development of critical importance to DOE and the Nation.
  • Quantum simulation refers to methods of engineering and manipulating a quantum experiment in a laboratory that directly emulates a quantum system outside the lab. By doing so, scientists can obtain insight into complex scientific problems that aren’t accessible in any other way.
  • Quantum networking focuses on methods to establish and distribute entanglement between QIS technologies over various physical distances. Networked quantum sensors could enable precision that far exceeds that of a single sensor or sensors connected classically, and distributed quantum computing would connect multiple processors to form a more powerful, unified quantum computing system capable of tackling more complex problems.
  • Quantum sensing and microscopy leverages the unique sensitivity of quantum systems to make precise measurements of physical quantities, such as magnetic fields, temperature, acceleration, and gravity, that surpass classical limits. Sensors and microscopy based on quantum effects have the potential to aid in understanding everything from biological systems to the nature of dark matter.

Recognizing the great potential of QIS, and aware of the growing international competition in this promising new area of science and technology, Congress passed the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act, which became law in December 2018 and launched the National Quantum Initiative. This Initiative represents a coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States.

The DOE Office of Science is an integral partner in the National Quantum Initiative and has launched a range of research activities in QIS. To learn more about these endeavors, visit the National QIS Research Centers and Core Program QIS Research pages.

Enabling Infrastructure and Technologies

DOE’s investments in infrastructure, often with long development times, are creating vital community resources that will catalyze advancements in QIS. These investments are essential to fostering collaboration and driving success in the field. Supporting technology, infrastructure, and community resources for QIS include DOE user facilities and other capabilities that have strong engagement with the QIS community, including the leadership computing facilities, the X-ray light and neutron sources, the Nanoscale Science Research Centers, QIS testbeds, and foundries for high-quality qubits. DOE also supplies stable isotopes to industrial and academic partners for quantum applications, including managing the nation's helium-3 inventory, a critical component for cryogenics used in many QIS technologies.