Nqvl:qstd:design: quantum photonic integration and deployment (QUPID)

The National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences awarded the Regents of the University of Michigan a $1 million cooperative agreement on June 15, 2026, to develop field-ready quantum photonic integrated circuits (Q-PICs) for deployable spectroscopic quantum metrologies under the Quantum Photonic Integration and Deployment (QUPID) program (CFDA 47.049).

The University of Michigan, as lead of the QUPID team, will develop plug-and-play quantum photonic integrated circuits as prototypes that deliver high-precision quantum measurements outside laboratory settings, transcending classical limits of precision, speed, and resource efficiency. The work includes creating quantum process design kits that integrate ultrawide bandgap III-nitride ferroelectric quantum materials and silicon components for microelectronics compatibility. Quantum navigation serves as a stress test for the technology, driving development of robust, GPS-free positioning in demanding environments. The University of Michigan's collaborative team includes members from academia, industry, and national laboratories operating through the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory infrastructure.

Performance occurs in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The period of performance extends from June 15, 2026, through May 31, 2028, with $1 million obligated at award. The funding supports transformation of quantum-photonic science from laboratory prototypes to scalable, mass-produced technology for deployment across industry, critical infrastructure, and national security applications, while also enhancing STEM education and workforce development.

Abstract

Spectroscopic quantum metrologies (measurements probing light?matter processes) stand at the forefront of advancements in high-precision standards, techniques, and applications. Despite representing some of the highest achievements in measurement accuracy, these spectroscopies remain largely confined to laboratory settings, leaving their greatest potential ? Practical applications outside the lab ? Mostly untapped. The qupid team, led by the university of michigan with members from academia, industry, and national laboratories, overcomes these barriers by developing plug & play quantum photonic integrated circuits as plug & quantum-sense (P & QS) chip prototypes. These P & QS chips deliver nobel-recognized quantum measurements anywhere, transcending classical limits of precision, speed, and resource efficiency. Quantum navigation serves as the ultimate stress test, driving the development of robust, GPS-free positioning in demanding environments. By shifting quantum photonic science from the lab to scalable, mass-produced technology, the qupid project enables breakthroughs and real-world quantum deployments across industry, critical infrastructure, and national security. Making high-precision quantum measurements practical, accessible, and widespread, these chip-based instruments streamline education and spark curiosity among future stem leaders, laying the foundation for a technological renaissance with broad societal impact. The qupid team harnesses the collaborative infrastructure of the national quantum virtual laboratory to develop the first field-ready, microelectronics-compatible quantum photonic integrated circuits (Q-PICS) for deployable spectroscopic quantum metrologies. By transforming foundational quantum-photonic components and engineering novel elements, the team creates quantum process design kits that integrate ultrawide bandgap III-nitride ferroelectric quantum materials, silicon photonics, and silicon carbide defect qubits to surpass classical limits of precision, speed, and resource usage. Qupid team's codesign workflow includes four interconnected activities: advancing quantum materials and metrology, developing plug-and-quantum sense (P & QS) Q-PICS, assembling and validating integrated P & QS systems, and evaluating performance in transformative applications. Quantum navigation provides the ultimate stress test, guiding P & QS chip development for robust, GPS-free positioning in demanding environments. Qupid's approach uniquely melds the capacities of coherent, attosecond, and quantum spectroscopies to pioneer coherent?attosecond?quantum spectroscopy, providing a powerful new tool for real-time imaging and control of quantum dynamics in complex, interacting multi-particle systems. These efforts convert cumbersome laboratory equipment into compact, scalable, chip-based solutions, broadening practical quantum measurement capabilities across industries, critical infrastructure, national security, and education, and paving the way for widespread adoption of quantum advantages. This project advances the objectives of quantum information science and technology at NSF in response to the national quantum initiative act for the continued leadership of the united states in QIS and its technology applications. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.