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Quantum Information Science at NERSC

The possibilities are wide-ranging and inspiring. In the not-too-distant future, quantum information systems are expected to revolutionize how we study disease, design new materials, analyze molecular processes, solve massive data challenges, and much more.

But building world-changing quantum information technologies requires interdisciplinary research and development. Fortunately, Berkeley Lab — long known for its team approach to science — is already partnering with industry and academia to fabricate and test quantum-based devices, develop software and algorithms, build a prototype quantum computer and network, and apply these innovations for breakthroughs in a broad range of science areas.

As part of this collaborative effort, the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center at Berkeley Lab established the [email protected] program and this year awarded more than 250,000 Perlmutter GPU node hours to 16 quantum information science (QIS) projects across the U.S. and beyond. These pioneering research efforts include simulating defects in materials for QIS, applying quantum deep learning algorithms to high energy physics data analysis, and developing surrogate models for variational quantum algorithms, to name just a few.

NERSC sees its role in the budding QIS field as a centralized resource for users who want to bridge the gap between classical computing and quantum computing for applications in chemistry, physics, materials science, drug discovery, and more. Many of the science problems NERSC users are currently focused on are quantum mechanical in nature; by combining classical and quantum resources, NERSC is looking to enhance and expand these research efforts both in the near term and beyond.

For more information about QIS collaborations and resources at NERSC, contact:

Katie Klymko
Daan Camps
Nick Wright

Quantum Information Science @ Perlmutter

NERSC is seeking project proposals to conduct research using NERSC’s Perlmutter supercomputer in the area of quantum information science (QIS) through its [email protected] program. Read More »

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Perlmutter Results Show Progress in Quantum Information Science

January 23, 2023

The [email protected] initiative at NERSC aims to support research in the space of quantum information science (QIS) conducted on the Perlmutter supercomputer, including quantum simulation of materials and chemical systems, algorithms for compilation of quantum circuits, error mitigation for quantum computing, and development of hybrid quantum/classical algorithms. The first phase of the project will come to an end this month, but has begun to bear fruit in the form of early science results and collaborations across the field. Read More »

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First-Ever Quantum for Science Day Brings HPC and QIS Together

November 7, 2022

On October 24, stakeholders from around the field of quantum information science (QIS) gathered virtually to discuss the state of the discipline at the first-ever Quantum for Science Day, hosted by the [email protected] team at Berkeley Lab.   Read More »

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NERSC Pursues Growing Opportunities in Quantum Information Science

April 14, 2022

Recognizing that a combination of quantum and classical computing will be key to the application and adoption of quantum information resources, NERSC is preparing for the day QIS-enabled computing will be available to its user community. Read More »

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NERSC Awards 250K GPU Node Hours on Perlmutter to 16 QIS Projects

January 21, 2022

Following a request for proposals issued in November 2021, NERSC has awarded a total of 250,000 Perlmutter GPU node hours to 16 quantum information science projects. Read More »

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Record-breaking 45-qubit Quantum Computing Simulation Run at NERSC on Cori

June 1, 2017

Researchers from ETH Zurich in Switzerland used the Cori supercomputer at NERSC to simulate a 45-qubit circuit, the largest simulation of a quantum computer ever achieved. Read More »

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Berkeley Lab Women of Quantum Computing Go Tiny in Big Ways

June 23, 2021

In the Berkeley Lab Computing Sciences Area, the future of quantum information science is being driven in part by a group of women scientists who see that future — and theirs along with it — as quite bright. Read More »

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Making Quantum ‘Waves’ in Ultrathin Materials

May 14, 2020

Running calculations at NERSC, a team of researchers co-led by Berkeley Lab have revealed how wavelike plasmons could power up a new class of sensing and photochemical technologies at the nanoscale. Read More »