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Creating a World of Edge HPC Through Quantum Networking

quantum networking

At SC24 this November, an array of technologies will be on display showcasing advances in science and the revolutionary ways that people are using the power of supercomputing. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) have already made a significant impact. Other, more foundational technologies are still in the process of being developed. Quantum networking is one of these technologies, with the potential to advance scientific capabilities in profound ways.

We spoke with Sampath Gamage, a Research Associate and Coordinator for QuaNTRASE, an organization dedicated to advancing the field of quantum networking through cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and workforce development. Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Quantum Networks Training and Research Alliance in the Southeast (QuaNTRASE) is a joint initiative between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). With the organization in the ‘backyard’ of this year’s SC24 conference, we took the opportunity to learn more about the program and what quantum networking has to offer.

The Quantum Networking Revolution

Quantum networking represents a paradigm shift in information processing, and is poised to revolutionize secure communication and ultra-high-speed, ultra-low-power data transfer, explained Gamage. “The bottleneck we’re addressing involves some of the limitations of the current von Neumann architecture,” he said. With the rise of AI, including large language models such as ChatGPT, there is a need for massive amounts of computing, which requires significant energy. “By combining quantum networks, quantum computing, and neuromorphic computing, we aim to reduce energy consumption while enhancing computational power and security, ultimately creating a more sustainable and efficient technological infrastructure for the future.”

Gamage explained that quantum networks could transform computer communication by leveraging quantum entanglement to encode and transmit information. This could enable near-instantaneous data transfer at much lower power levels. “Energy requirements are becoming a significant issue,” says Gamage.

Realizing the full potential of quantum information processing requires a diverse ecosystem of quantum technologies, with quantum networks playing a vital role. These networks use unique properties like entanglement to transmit information in ways current communication technologies can’t. These networks will give scientists and engineers powerful new tools, enabling groundbreaking scientific applications that leverage quantum properties. This includes advancements in areas like quantum sensing, materials modeling, and molecular dynamics, accelerating scientific discoveries and innovation.

Enter QuaNTRASE, aimed at getting more people engaged in these challenges. “The main focus is on training and developing the quantum-enabled workforce,” explained Gamage. “We want to have more people with enough knowledge to join the industry and academia to work in these areas. Our main goal is workforce development, but we also have a research focus.”


Network Building Blocks, Devices, and Applications

QuaNTRASE is structured around three core thrusts that Gamage says are essential for advancing quantum networking. These core areas include fundamental material research, device development, and comprehensive educational programs aimed at creating a skilled quantum-enabled workforce. The program is structured around these three main thrusts:

Network building blocks

This foundational area focuses on developing the essential components for quantum networks. Researchers are investigating advanced materials, particularly 2D materials like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), tungsten disulfide (WS2), and tungsten diselenide (WSe2). One key goal is to create single and indistinguishable photons, crucial for quantum communication. The team is making significant progress in developing new materials and technologies to achieve this. They are also working on new ways to control these photons at room temperature, making it easier to build practical quantum devices. Additionally, researchers are developing scalable networks of superconductor-semiconductor systems and using graphene to create highly sensitive photon detectors. “We’ve made significant progress in these areas, which are critical for advancing quantum networks and sensing technologies,” said Gamage.

Network Devices

Once you have the building blocks, the next step is to develop the devices that will use them. This thrust focuses on creating and fabricating devices that enable quantum communication and networking. Gamage explained that the work in this area includes developing advanced quantum optical devices, such as single-photon emitters and detectors, which are essential for secure quantum communication. Post-silicon quantum technologies, such as these, use unique quantum properties to process information much faster than current technologies. These advancements enable new protocols like quantum teleportation and ultra-secure communication, which are not possible with traditional systems. Although this stage is still in its early phases, the plan is to collaborate with partner institutions like UTK, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and other industry partners.

Applications & Quantum Education

This part of the program focuses on bridging the gap between theory and practice and educating the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. “We develop courses, programs, and applications such as quantum networks, quantum sensing, and quantum communications,” Gamage explained. This thrust includes developing technology for space-based entangled photon sources and quantum cybersecurity for critical infrastructure like the power grid. The team collaborates with the Small Satellite Research Laboratory (SSRL) to create scalable quantum emitters for secure cyber communications in space-based platforms. Additionally, they work on tools to enhance grid security using quantum random number generators (QRNGs). The project also explores the impact of leadership practices and team culture on the creativity and productivity of scientists, aiming to improve teaching, recruitment, and mentoring practices.

Through these efforts, QuaNTRASE ensures that advancements in quantum technology are effectively utilized and that there is a steady pipeline of trained professionals ready to contribute to the evolving landscape of quantum computing and networking.

quantum state

Challenges and Opportunities

With any new technology, the path to success is riddled with challenges. The road to quantum networking is no exception. While the challenges of needing specialized materials and the complexity of device fabrication are key issues, logistical issues come into play, especially where human resources are concerned. “Finding citizens and green card holders as trainees is a challenge,” he explained. “For example, we only have two citizen trainees currently. All others working with us are international students, and we cannot fund them through this grant because the NSF requires funding to be allocated to citizens.”

Despite these obstacles, the opportunities are vast. The potential for quantum networking to revolutionize communication, enhance security through quantum encryption, and significantly reduce energy consumption in computing presents a promising future. “It creates a superhuman situation,” Gamage said. “If we had talked about these changes a decade or two ago, we wouldn’t have believed them. The point is we may not even know what the future looks like in a world of quantum networking where supercomputing can be stretched to edge locations never before dreamed of. It will be unbelievably different in terms of how we think and work.”

Gamage stresses that the practical impacts are what is most notable about the impact of quantum networking. “Quantum networking has the potential to create a world where we have a more secure, safer, and energy-efficient society,” he says. “That’s what I fundamentally envision as a scientist.”

Join Us In Atlanta

Collaboration and continuous learning are key to realizing supercomputing’s full potential. SC24 offers an opportunity to expand your knowledge and enrich your experiences within the high-performance computing (HPC) community.

Attendees engage with technical presentations, papers, workshops, tutorials, posters, and Birds of a Feather (BOF) sessions – all designed to showcase the latest innovations and practical applications in AI and HPC. The conference offers a unique platform where experts from leading manufacturers, research organizations, industry, and academia come together to share insights and advancements that are driving the future.

Join us for a week of innovation at SC24 in Atlanta, November 17-22, 2024, where you can discover the future of quantum, supercomputing, and more. Registration is open!

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