NIST QUANTUM PLANS

CARL WILLIAMS, ACTING DIRECTOR PML
Quantum Information Science in a Nutshell

Quantum information science (QIS) exploits unique quantum properties such as 

coherence, superposition, entanglement, and squeezing to acquire, transmit, and 

process information in ways that greatly exceed existing capabilities.

QIS is a field of scientific inquiry in its own right, with applications in:

• sensing and metrology: precision navigation, timekeeping, magnetic fields, ...

• communication: secure data transmission and storage, random number generation,

• simulation: complex materials, molecular dynamics, QCD, ...

• computing: cryptanalysis, quantum chemistry, optimization, quantum field theory, ...

and robust intellectual connections to numerous areas of basic research.

NIST program currently focuses on QIS but our activities already include 

aspects of quantum engineering which must grow!

NIST’s QIS 

Program 

covers all 

of this
A New National Strategy for QIS

• OSTP and its interagency arm, the NSTC, 

released Sunday September 23, 2018 a 

new national strategy for QIS. It is 

consistent with the National Quantum 

Initiative Act.

• On September 24, 2018, OSTP held a 

Summit on Advancing American Leadership 

in QIS, that rolled this out with about 100 

participants from academy, industry, and 

the USG. 

• Closing remarks were by Lamar Smith
Key QIS Policy Opportunities

• Choosing a science-first approach to QIS

• Creating a quantum-smart workforce for 

tomorrow

• Deepening engagement with quantum 

industry

• Providing critical infrastructure

• Maintaining national security and 

economic growth

• Advancing international cooperation
National Quantum Initiative Act

• Passed the House unanimously on September 13, 2018

• Requires OSTP to setup a National Quantum Coordination Office

• Requires NIST to:

- Continue and expand QIS research and the development of measurement and 

standards infrastructure

- Train scientists in QIS

- Establish or expand existing partnerships or consortia

- Provides OTA for the NQI related activities

- Hold within 1 year a workshop that convenes stakeholders on future 

measurements and standards

- Report to Congress not later than 2 years the results of that workshop
NIST QIS Programmatic Elements: Review

• NIST has established QIS as one of its programmatic activities

• NIST Programmatic Planning in QIS has three Program Elements:

- Foundational Quantum (Information) Science and Metrology

• Quantum many-body, state-of-the-art quantum limited measurements, quantum metrology at 

the highest level of accuracy, quantum algorithms, quantum information theory

- Quantum Engineering:

• Measurement tools to engineer quantum materials, structures, and devices that will be the core 

building blocks for a broad collection of future quantum technologies

• Quantum transduction

• A quantum ecosystem through consortium and multi-disciplinary centers – external facing

- Quantum SI (Système International d’Unités)

• Quantum breakthroughs to redefine how weights and measures are disseminated, providing 

improving accuracy and precision while eliminating calibration chains

• Extend and build on the NIST-on-a-Chip program
Future QIS Activities at NIST

• Foundational Quantum Metrology: Create the metrological foundations 

essential to the future application of technology arising from quantum 

information science and engineering both for innovation and for future 

measurement science; 

• Quantum Engineering: Create the foundation for this new engineering 

discipline through centers, a QIS Consortium, engagement with external 

partners, and other venues to support innovation and competitiveness;

• Quantum SI : Expand the foundations for the more ubiquitous 

dissemination of measurement standards based on this technology, 

whether at a primary calibration laboratory, on a manufacturing floor, in 

an airplane, or out in the real world.
NIST Planning Process

• NIST held a 2 day workshop on September 25-27, 2018

- About 100 NIST principals and managers

- Briefly summarized NIST activities

- Research ideas and grand challenges were presented and discussed

- Discussed organizing principles for potential grand challenges

- Schedule had sufficient time for team building

• NIST has a call out for white papers – due November 8 – that will be used 

to create a detailed QIS program plan

• NIST continues to work with SRI to establish a QIS Consortium

- Held an organizational meeting at SRI International on August 21, 2018

- Have more than 20 Letters of Intent

- A 2nd organizing meeting is scheduled for NIST Boulder on October 29-30
Additional NIST Activities

• NIST senior management (Copan, Olthoff, Lin, Romine, Williams) visited 

the West Coast in July to explore options for future activities in QIS and 

other areas. Visit included Stanford, SLAC, UC-Berkeley, LBL, and the 

venture capital funded startup Rigetti Computing

• NIST engaged with IEEE around quantum standards

• NIST held a 1-day workshop on October 4th with NRC-Canada and NPL to 

explore common interests around quantum standards

• NIST continues to meet and interact with professional societies, industry, 

and academia around QIS 

• NIST continues to work with DOC, OSTP, and OMB to support an 

expanded QIS program
One Concept for a NIST Grand Challenge

Build a prototype few node Quantum Network that distributes and stores 

entangled states of light and maintains the entanglement for sufficient 

time to support R&D, sensing, and metrology using various technologies

Requires: Quantum memory, quantum repeaters, small quantum 

processors, transduction, quantum error correction, entanglement 

purification

Provides: A testbed for system components and standards and supports 

basic R&D

Allows: Development of improved components, entanglement of distant 

clocks or sensors, exploration of quantum enhanced long baseline 

interferometry
NIST QIS Strategic Vision

NIST will fulfill its mission in QIS through 

three coordinated efforts:

• Foundational research emphasizing QIS and 

Metrology

• Applied research to engineer and improve the 

robustness of prototypes: Q. Engineering

• Realization and Dissemination of the units of 

measure: The Quantum SI

• These activities form an interrelated and self- reinforcing system in which, for example, next- generation atomic clocks are engineered to be 

smaller and more robust and thereby enable 

tomorrow’s measurement services.

Foundational 

Quantum 

Science and 

Metrology

Quantum Engineering

Quantum SI:

Realization of 

the Systéme

Internationale
a

To promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing 

measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that 

enhance economic security and improve our quality of life

NIST Mission
Potential Questions for Discussion

• Do you see any gaps in our QIS plans?

• If NIST were to create a new Quantum Engineering based center is there 

a focus area that in your opinion would be more important, or conversely 

one that NIST should avoid?

• Are there other mechanisms in addition to the Quantum Consortia that 

NIST should consider to maximize engagement between government, 

academia, and industry?

• Any advice about the balance between basic research, applied research, 

and dissemination that NIST should consider? 
QUESTIONS?