Funding strengthens quantum science partnerships at UBC

Federal funding announced today will help UBC Science researchers launch a range of quantum materials and computing partnerships—including large-scale simulations to predict the properties of luminescent materials for display and solid-state lighting. 

The projects are among more than 100 announced today by the Federal government through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Alliance Quantum grant, Alliance Consortia Quantum grant and Alliance International Quantum grant programs.

"Canada is proud to be a global leader in quantum science and technology," said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, in making the announcement. "By investing in top-tier research, we’re fueling innovation and keeping our country at the forefront of global competition. Today’s investment will accelerate breakthroughs in quantum computing, communications, and security, creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses and strengthening our economy."

The awarded projects aim to address important challenges in quantum science, while supporting the development of quantum technologies in a variety of areas, including quantum algorithms and encryption, communications, quantum computing, new materials, and quantum sensing. 

Researchers at UBC with the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Mathematics will explore a range of quantum technologies and their applications as part of the work.

Select projects

Quantum simulations for organic semiconductors

Simulations that accurately predict the properties of materials are among the most highly anticipated applications of quantum computing. A collaboration between UBC chemist Dr. Zachary Hudson, an expert on the design of materials for organic electronics, and Canada’s OTI Lumionics will develop large-scale quantum simulations to predict the properties of luminescent materials for display and solid-state lighting technology.

Synthesizing layered quantum materials in bulk

Layered quantum materials—or heterostructures—with emergent properties have been grown for years using molecular beam epitaxy. In collaboration with Rutgers University, UBC materials scientist Dr. Alannah Hallas will help create and characterize candidate compounds in this new class of materials with potentially exotic properties, and help young Canadian researchers advance their careers at an international level.

High-temperature single-photon detectors for photonic quantum computing

Photonic quantum computing relies on high-efficiency superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) that can detect weak optical signals at the telecom wavelength—but TESs currently operate at temperatures below 1K, imposing major technicals hurdles in their use. In partnership with Canada’s Xanadu Quantum Technologies, UBC researcher Dr. Andrea Damascelli will develop superconducting, monolayer- thin single-photon detectors designed to operate at higher and more useful temperatures.

Laser-induced ultrafast dynamics of rotons in superfluid helium for terahertz sensing and imaging

THz waves, known for their ability to penetrate clothing and packaging with minimal risk to biological tissues, have applications in non-invasive medical diagnostics, hazard-free security screening, and quality control. In partnership with Meta Materials, UBC physicist Dr. Valery Milner will combine laser-assisted injection of rotons in superfluid helium and their absorption of THz waves to develop novel THz probes with superior time response and spatial resolution.