Solving the Mysteries of the Universe

Quantum Projects to Solve the Universe’s Mysteries

Researchers will use cutting-edge quantum technologies to transform our understanding of the universe and answer key questions such as the nature of dark matter and black holes. Technologies such as quantum sensors have the potential to radically change our approach to understanding our universe. They are trying to use NASA’s QUAIL team and aim to demonstrate that quantum computing and quantum algorithms may someday dramatically improve the agency’s ability to address difficult optimization and machine learning problems arising in NASA’s aeronautics, Earth and space sciences, and space exploration missions. 

The projects are supported through the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics program, delivered by the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council as part of the Strategic Priorities Fund. The program is part of the National Quantum Technologies Programme. The Atom and networks have been awarded $7.2 million in funding and will be led by the Imperial College London. The project will develop and use technology based on quantum interference between atoms to detect ultra-light dark matter and sources of gravitational waves such as collisions between massive black holes far away in the universe and violent processes in the very early universe. 

The team will design a 10m atom interferometer, preparing the construction of the instrument in Oxford and paving the way for larger-scale future experiments to be located in the UK. The Cambridge team is led by Professor Valerie Gibson and Dr. Ulrich Schneider from the Cavendish Laboratory, alongside researchers from the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, the Institute of Astronomy, and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

 Dr Tiffany Harte will co-lead the development of the cold atom transport and final cooling sequences, and Dr Jeremy Mitchell will co-lead the data readout and network capabilities, and undertake data analysis and theoretical interpretation.

Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

By: Abby Pesch / Alex Audiss