The DOE SC program in High Energy Physics (HEP) hereby announces its interest in receiving interdisciplinary applications for open scientific research on Quantum Information Science (QIS) Enabled Discovery (QuantISED) to further the HEP mission to understand how the universe works at its most fundamental level [1]. Successful applications will help define an exploratory program where innovative solutions for scientific discovery are developed and deployed to advance HEP science drivers and contribute to QIS research and technology for public benefit.
The QIS subprogram within HEP has been developed over the last few years with a series of workshops, followed by funding opportunities in 2018 and 2019 [2], and is aligned with a broader SC initiative in QIS and coordinated with various national and interagency QIS programs [3], including the National QIS Research Centers [4]. Cross-cutting the traditional frontiers and thrusts of the HEP program, the QIS subprogram exploits the interdisciplinary nature of QIS and associated partnerships for exploratory, early-stage research aimed at high impact discoveries aligned with HEP science goals, but also driving developments in foundational QIS and related scientific and technology research areas.
Such research is intended to create public benefit within HEP’s Congressionally-authorized mission space by increasing human understanding of the physical universe and driving relevant developments of advanced technologies that support that mission.
Deadlines:
- Encouraged Letter of Intent: June 18, 2024
- Application: July 30, 2024
Applications are sought that primarily focus on one of the following topic areas, though research may benefit secondary areas:
• HEP-QIS Theory: This topic includes theoretical research exploiting recent developments in quantum gravity, computational complexity, quantum error correction, holographic correspondences including AdS/CFT, quantum information theory, emergent space-time, black hole physics, scrambling, and qubit system protocols and thermalization. It also includes innovative uses of field theory techniques, gauge symmetries, and tensor networks invoking quantum information and entanglement concepts, related algorithms for current and future quantum computers, and quantum simulation experiments or analog simulations of HEP quantum problems with the goals of advancing theoretical tools, techniques, and knowledge (see for example Refs [8,10]). Team applications (see below) that leverage existing HEP research group and/or DOE lab capabilities are particularly encouraged.
• Quantum Sensing: Quantum sensing involves creating, manipulating, and reading out individual quantum states or ensembles thereof. It employs individual or arrays of quantum sensors and may utilize measurement techniques involving photon counting or purely quantum mechanical effects that have no classical equivalent. Quantum sensors include qubits and continuous-variables quantum devices of various types as developed by the quantum computing community, quantum materials and spin ensembles developed by the condensed matter and materials science communities, and atomic and optomechanical sensors, clocks, and interferometers developed by the atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics and gravitational wave communities, in each case repurposed and re-optimized to target HEP science. Quantum effects include superposition, entanglement, squeezing, and backaction evasion, aiming at a measurement precision better than the Standard Quantum Limit. Team applications (see below) involving HEP researchers and researchers from the above-mentioned communities are particularly encouraged.
• Pathfinder Experiments: Innovative experimental concepts that employ quantum sensors, superconducting devices or other quantum systems, to enable proof-of-principle measurements of fundamental properties of particles and forces consistent with the HEP mission and the strategic priorities of the field [9]. These “pathfinder” applications should demonstrate the potential to significantly extend the discovery reach in a particular area of experimental HEP beyond what is presently achievable, but do not necessarily have to produce physics results during the award period. Applications may include theoretical studies, simulations, and device prototypes necessary to achieve the proof-of-principle demonstration. Team applications (see below) that leverage existing research group capabilities and/or DOE lab facilities are particularly encouraged.
All types of domestic applicants are eligible to apply, except nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.
Applicant institutions are limited to no more than two (2) letters of intent, and two full applications, for each PI at the applicant institution, including multi-institution team applications.
Ceiling
Seed awards : $1,000,000 total (all topics)
Team awards : $5,000,000 total ( all topics)
Floor
Seed awards: $140,000 total (all topics)
Team awards: $1,200,000 total (all topics)