New project aims to advance secure communications through quantum technology
The U.S. National Science Foundation has named CU Boulder a collaborator on newly announced pilot projects supported by the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) initiative. This groundbreaking effort seeks to accelerate the development of quantum technologies and make cutting-edge quantum tools accessible to researchers nationwide. To do this, the NSF has funded 11 pilot projects (with ) to overcome the current engineering challenges facing the development of quantum devices.
Among the six new pilot projects selected, CU Boulder will contribute to the Attosecond Synchronized Photonic Entanglement Network (ASPEN-Net). This ambitious project, led by the University of Oregon, aims to create a high-performance, 16-node quantum networking testbed capable of distributing entanglement over distances of up to 100 kilometers. The network is expected to revolutionize secure quantum communications and enable novel distributed quantum sensors and computers.
From left to right, Catherine Saladrigas, Juliet Gopinath and Killian Dickson in the Gopinath lab at CU Boulder. (Credit: College of Engineering and Applied Science)
Mike Mazurek and Krister Shalm, researchers affiliated with CU Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will spearhead CU Boulder’s efforts along with CU Boulder electrical engineering and physics Professor Juliet Gopinath. Their combined quantum physics and engineering expertise positions them as key players in advancing the project’s goals.
“This collaboration exemplifies the cutting-edge quantum science happening at CU Boulder and highlights our commitment to fostering innovation in this transformative field,” said Mazurek.
The NSF NQVL initiative reflects a broader national strategy to harness quantum properties for practical applications, such as secure communication, advanced computing and biomedical sensing. Each pilot project receives $1 million in funding over 12 months to develop real-world test environments to advance the potential of quantum-based technologies.
Shalm, a member of CU Boulder’s Quantum Engineering Initiative, added: “The ASPEN-Net project pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in quantum networking. CU Boulder has a rich history of developing the kinds of breakthrough science and technologies that will be needed for this national effort.”
By participating in ASPEN-Net, CU Boulder continues to build on its legacy of leadership in quantum research, cementing its reputation as a hub for innovation and collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.
“Our involvement in ASPEN-Net highlights the interdisciplinary strength of CU Boulder, where engineering, physics and national labs converge to tackle the most challenging problems in quantum technology,” said Gopinath.
For more information about CU Boulder’s quantum initiatives, visit the CUbit Quantum Initiative website.