Quantum SI

Strategic Vision Team Update 

David Gundlach

NIST Program Coordination Office 
The Quantum SI team 

Jun Ye (PML) Jacob Taylor (PML) John Kitching (PML) Greg Strouse (PML)

Paul Hale (CTL) Scott Glancy (ITL) Kartik Srinivasan (CNST) Li Piin Sung (EL) 

David Gundlach (PCO) 

John Henry Scott (MML)
Why now? Why NIST? 

In May 2019, the SI will be recast from being based on units with reference to artifacts 

to being based on fundamental constants and laws of nature: the new Quantum SI. 

• NIST’s work in metrology has made 

it a leader in quantum science

• NIST is working to apply these 

capabilities to transform how 

metrology is disseminated

• These quantum measurement 

technologies will advance other 

fields of quantum science like 

computing and communications
Vision and Strategies 

Strategies for Quantum SI:

• Realize practical quantum SI devices 

and enabling technologies

• Improve foundational quantum 

science and metrology

• Create new pathways for technology 

transfer and Quantum SI adoption QSI Mainstreaming

Quantum SI

NIST will revolutionize commerce through quantum measurement by leading the 

transition to the Quantum SI paradigm. This will yield transformational benefits in 

industrial efficiencies, safety, healthcare, and security. 
Practical Quantum SI Devices & Enabling Technologies

NIST should:

• Develop expertise in building quantum 

sensors from new materials with quantum 

properties 

• Develop expertise in interfacing classical and 

quantum devices, and assessing the 

integrated system performance

• Realize quantum SI devices for derived units
Foundational Quantum Science & Technology

NIST should:

• Improve foundational measurement science 

for quantum systems and the knowledge 

underpinning new quantum technologies

• Develop the understanding and control 

methodology for harnessing the benefits of 

quantum many-body and entangled systems 

• Engage external stakeholders to define 

measurands and metrics of quantum 

sensors and related quantum technologies
Mainstreaming the Quantum SI

NIST should:

• Develop the spectrum of dissemination 

methodologies to accelerate acceptance of 

the Quantum SI and quantum technologies

• Develop methods and partnerships for 

technology transfer of Quantum SI devices

• Deliver a new infratechnology of Quantum 

SI devices that are multi-function platforms 

of dual standards and sensors
What does success look like in five years? 

NIST has:

• transferred increasing amounts of NIST on a Chip (mixed modality) technology 

for commercialization and adoption. 

• established foundations for the design, fabrication, and characterization of 

practical quantum SI sensors and enabling technologies. 

• increased its footprint and expertise in fundamental quantum science and 

metrology and begun harnessing emergent properties of many-body and 

entangled systems to push past the “quantum limit” in measurement accuracy.

• successfully implemented dissemination methodologies designed to accelerate 

worldwide acceptance of the Quantum SI and the adoption of NIST created 

Quantum SI technologies.
Questions for Discussion

What should NIST consider with regard to:

• new methods for effective technology transfer of emerging quantum 

technologies?

• mechanisms and tools that lower barriers and enhance engagement 

with industry?

• the changes that come in a new era with intrinsic traceabiliity readily 

available to industry?