Discover Quantum at Illinois
World's First Public Quantum Network Launch
On November 4, 2023, at the Urbana Free Library, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign launched the first publicly accessible quantum network in partnership with the Urbana Free Library and the Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband (UC2B)
Art work created by Emily E. Edwards
What is Quantum?
The quantum world is not spooky or incomprehensible. It's just way different.
What is superposition?
A fundamental—and not totally unfamiliar—feature of quantum physics.
What is a qubit?
The smallest unit of quantum information and the building block of quantum tech.
What is entanglement?
Of all the peculiar things that occur in the quantum world, none is more likely to sprain the brain than entanglement.
Quantum Computing
There's a new paradigm in computing, but it won’t improve your smartphone anytime soon.
Quantum Cryptography
A way to share secrets backed by a quantum stamp of approval.
LabEscape
World-renowned quantum physicist Professor Schrödenberg desperately needs your help! In this Urbana, IL science-based 'escape-room', you'll have to search her lab, solve mind-blowing puzzles to reveal clues, and hopefully find a way to complete your mission! While all the puzzles involve various physics phenomena, no prior background is assumed.
QuanTime
QuanTime offers various fun educational activities designed to introduce middle and high school students to quantum information science. Both online and hands-on activities are available, and no teacher expertise in quantum science is required!
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2022: Quantum Entanglement
Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser, and Anton Zeilinger were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2022 for their pioneering work in exploring quantum entanglement in the laboratory. Their discoveries continue to play an integral role in many experiments being conducted today at Illinois and elsewhere.
What is the Bell Test and Entanglement? (youtube.com)
Photo: Alexander Mahmoud 2018, nobelprize.org
Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center
Launched in 2018, the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center (IQUIST) is a community of physicists, electrical engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, entrepreneurs, and other experts working together as a part of growing research efforts in quantum information science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Chicago Quantum Exchange
Based at the University of Chicago, the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) facilitates quantum dialogue between its members in the Midwest: Argonne National Lab, Fermilab, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Northwestern University, bringing together students, facilities, and partners from around the globe to bolster the quantum information effort.
Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks Program
Instead of pursuing a single quantum technology to scale up quantum processors, the Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN) program is utilizing a hybrid architecture to build distributed quantum processors and networks. HQAN is a collaboration between the three quantum testbeds at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Chicago along with several private sector companies and government institutions.
Quantum Sensing and Quantum Materials Center
The Quantum Sensing and Quantum Materials (QSQM) center is studying nontrivial quantum sensing methods to measure and unravel mysteries associated with various quantum materials. The center is a collaboration between the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center, the University of Illinois-Chicago, and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
Next Generation Quantum Science and Engineering Center
Led by Argonne National Laboratory, the Next Generation Quantum Science and Engineering (Q-NEXT) center is a collaboration of roughly 100 experts from three national laboratories, 10 universities, and 12 technology companies. The overarching goal is to develop the science and technology for controlling and distributing quantum information.
Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center
At Fermilab, the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) center is developing an advanced quantum computer using superconducting technologies. SQMS researchers are also building next-generation quantum sensing technologies that could lead to new insights into the nature of dark matter and the discovery of elusive particles.