ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology

ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology
Name	ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology
Established	2011
Director	Michelle Simmons
Headquarters	University of New South Wales
Key people	Andrew Dzurak, Andrea Morello, Sven Rogge
Field	Quantum computing, Quantum communication
Parent organization	Australian Research Council
Website	https://www.cqc2t.org

ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology is a major Australian research initiative focused on developing scalable quantum computing and secure quantum communication technologies. Established in 2011 and headquartered at the University of New South Wales, it brings together over 180 researchers from multiple institutions. The centre is a cornerstone of Australia's strategic investment in the global second quantum revolution, aiming to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer and a national quantum network.

Overview

The centre operates under the Australian Research Council's Centres of Excellence scheme, with foundational leadership from pioneering physicist Michelle Simmons. Its research is concentrated on silicon-based quantum computing architectures, which leverage the existing global semiconductor industry infrastructure. Key partner institutions include the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and CSIRO, with significant collaboration from international bodies like the U.S. Army Research Office and corporate partners such as Microsoft.

Research Programs

Primary research is organized into interconnected programs targeting specific technological hurdles. The quantum processor development program, led from UNSW, focuses on creating qubits from single phosphorus atoms in silicon, a world-leading approach pioneered by Michelle Simmons and Andrew Dzurak. A parallel program on quantum communication and networking, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Melbourne, develops protocols for quantum key distribution and integrates with the emerging Australian Quantum Network. Additional programs investigate advanced quantum materials, cryogenic control electronics, and quantum error correction codes essential for fault-tolerant operation.

Key Achievements

The centre has produced several landmark results in quantum science. In 2012, its team achieved the first single-atom qubit in silicon, a breakthrough published in *Nature*. Subsequent milestones include demonstrating the highest fidelity quantum logic gate operations in silicon and creating the first quantum integrated circuit manufactured at the atomic scale. In quantum communication, researchers established record distances for entanglement distribution and contributed to the Shoalhaven Star Track satellite quantum communication experiment. These advances have been recognized by prestigious awards, including the Australian Prime Minister's Prize for Science for Michelle Simmons.

Governance and Funding

Governance is overseen by a board comprising representatives from the Australian Research Council, host university University of New South Wales, and other partner institutions. The centre director, Michelle Simmons, reports to this board and leads the scientific advisory committee. Initial funding was a seven-year grant from the Australian Research Council, matched by contributions from participating universities and the New South Wales government. Subsequent successful renewals, including significant funding from the Australian Government's National Innovation and Science Agenda, have extended its operations, with total investment exceeding several hundred million dollars.

Collaborations and Partners

The centre maintains a vast network of national and international partnerships. Domestically, it works closely with the Australian Defence Force and Department of Defence (Australia) on secure communications. Industrial partnerships include multi-year agreements with Telstra, Microsoft, and Google on hardware development and software integration. Internationally, it collaborates with leading quantum institutes like Delft University of Technology, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and RIKEN in Japan. These collaborations are formalized through joint research projects, personnel exchanges, and co-authorship on papers in journals like *Science*.

Future Directions

Future research is directed towards building a 10-qubit prototype quantum processor in silicon and integrating it with a control system, a critical step toward scalability. A major parallel goal is the expansion of the Australian Quantum Network to link major cities, involving partners like CSIRO and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The centre also aims to transition technologies to commercial ventures through its support of startups like Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Ltd, positioning Australia within the competitive global landscape dominated by players like IBM and Intel.

Category:Research institutes in Australia Category:Quantum computing research Category:University of New South Wales