AFRL designated as Quantum Information Science Research Center for USAF & USSF

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – The Air Force Research Laboratory is now designated as the Quantum Information Science Research Center for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

This designation, signed by then Acting Secretary of the Air Force John P. Roth in an April 23 memorandum, gives AFRL the authority to achieve faster military capability based on quantum information science, AFRL Commander Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle said.

“AFRL is extremely proud, and has been long-recognized at the national level for its deep technical expertise in QIS with far ranging applications including clocks and sensors for quantum-enhanced positioning, navigation and timing, quantum communications and networks and quantum computing,” said Pringle. “This designation allows AFRL to expand its collaborations across government, industry and academia, further accelerating the research, development and deployment of quantum technologies.”

To support these efforts, AFRL’s Information Directorate, located at Rome, New York, will receive fiscal year 2020 funds, granted under the Defense Quantum Information Science Research and Development Program and in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act. The funds help the Rome Lab obtain partnerships to gain further knowledge from worldwide leaders in quantum science application, said Dr. Michael Hayduk, deputy director of the Information Directorate.

“With this designation, AFRL fully intends to further advance the application of quantum technologies across the Department of the Air Force,” Hayduk said. “AFRL will expand its global network of QIS collaborators by tapping into both industrial and university expertise. These partnerships are critical in not only accelerating the deployment of QIS technologies but also in developing the future workforce needed to meet emerging national security challenges.”

A cryogenic refrigerator installed in the Quantum Information and Sciences Laboratory at AFRL’s Information Directorate in Rome, New York. The device is used by AFRL researchers to measure the energy and coherence times of superconducting quantum bits (qubits), two important characteristics that determine how long qubits can retain quantum information. (Courtesy photo)