Quantum Science Group

What exotic properties of quantum mechanics give quantum computers their power? How do we scale up that weirdness from the size of an atom to the size of a mainframe? Our theory team led by  Professor Stephen Bartlett, Professor Andrew Doherty, Dr Arne Grimsmo, and Dr Isaac Kim and exploits the latest results from quantum materials, the mathematics of topology, machine learning and even string theory to design the best quantum architectures for tomorrow's supercomputers. 

Controlling small ensembles of atomic ions in vacuum allows Professor Michael Biercuk’s team to learn how to control and build new technologies powered by quantum coherence. The team focuses on adapting concepts from control engineering for the manipulation of quantum devices and the development of new classes of quantum simulators for chemistry and materials science.

The Sydney Quantum Laboratory is one of just three experimental facilities worldwide where Microsoft is developing a quantum machine based on topological qubits. Our partnership with Microsoft Corporation is allowing Professor David Reilly’s team to transform fundamental research into commercial-scale quantum computation. Their focus is on the interface between classical and quantum systems, which will be critical for quantum machines to be scaled up to useful devices.

Professor David Reilly’s quantum nanoscience team is developing technology to improve targeted delivery of drugs and improved magnetic resonance imaging. The delivery of industrial nanoscale diamonds can be used to ‘light up’ early-stage tumours in non-toxic and non-invasive MRI scans. The research has led to collaboration with Harvard University to further develop the technology.

The Quantum Science group at is part of the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems. EQuS is building sophisticated machines that harness the quantum world for practical applications. Through EQuS we have strong collaboration with teams at the Australian National University, Macquarie University, University of Queensland and University of Western Australia, along with a host of international partners.

Q-CTRL is the first venture-capital backed quantum technology company to be spun-out from the University of Sydney. Led by CEO Professor Michael Biercuk, Q-Ctrl is taking research on quantum control out of the laboratory and developing commercial software that can be used to reduce errors in quantum systems.

Understanding the properties of optically active atoms in crystals allow Dr John Bartholomew's team to design interfaces between light and matter to connect qubits through optical networks. The study of materials at the atomic scale provides the knowledge for the team to engineer on-chip quantum connections between light, electronics, and atoms as a basis for a quantum internet

The Sydney Quantum Academy, established in 2019, is a partnership between The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University, sponsored by the New South Wales government. The SQA’s overarching goal is to establish an ecosystem for education, community and industry engagement, and innovation in quantum science and technology. Amongst other things, the SQA offers a PhD Experience program in quantum science, prestigious PhD and postdoctoral scholarships, and hosts international visitors.