Montana State University QCORE has undertaken an ambitious research agenda with a focus on quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications. Success in these fields relies on principles established in quantum physics such as superposition, entanglement, and coherence. Technology based on these principles of quantum physics can lead to computers that can handle data sets hundreds and thousands of times larger than classical computers, unbreakable communications, and more accurate collection of information via sensors.
Join us for QCORE's Seminar Series
All are welcome to join QCORE's weekly Seminar Series, hosted each Wednesday afternoon at 4:10 pm at QCORE in EngineWorks, 2425 Technology Blvd. West, Bozeman. See upcoming and past talks and speaker affiliations below.
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 - 4:10pm
Defining a Quantum Analog to the Classical Physical Layer: Modulation, Equalization, and Routing: Joshua Dugre, Research Professional, Spectrum Lab
The modern internet consists of far more than just the optical fibers that facilitate device connections. Complex signal processing routines are required to modulate, compensate, and route data between users, and a quantum internet will be no different. However, digital signal processing is fundamentally incompatible with optical quantum information, so analog signal processing techniques must be deployed to ensure qubit fidelity in the network. In this talk I will present a framework for the physical layer of the quantum internet, discuss the current quantum networks in development at MSU, and introduce a class of signal processing techniques utilizing rare earth ion doped materials that can be used to shape the spectral and temporal properties of the photon wavefunction, allowing for the multiplexing and routing of quantum signals between users.
Rare Earth Ion Quantum Networking Devices: Memory and Signal Processing: Owen Wolfe, Research Scientist, MSU-Spectrum Lab
Rare earth ion materials have a breadth of applications across the modern technological landscape, from powerful magnets to optical amplifiers. Over the last 30 years there has been substantial development in rare earth ion materials at Montana State University and across the Gallatin valley. At MSU-Spectrum Lab we have developed a wide range of signal processing techniques using cryogenic rare earth ion materials. These materials have wide inhomogeneous absorption lines (up to 200GHz) which can be optically programmed with resolutions down to the homogeneous linewidth (down to 10 KHz). In recent years rare earth ion materials have gained attention for their potential in quantum networking applications. In this talk we will explore the efforts being undertaken at spectrum lab to develop and build these quantum networking devices using rare earth ion materials.
Nov. 5, 2025:
Quantum Limits of Position Detection in Levitated Optomechanics: Brian D’Urso, Associate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Optical, magnetic, and electrodynamic trapping of micrometer to nanometer-scale particles have been explored as a path towards achieving quantum behavior in macroscopic systems. We will discuss the quantum limit of optical position measurements of levitated particles, from millimeter-scale graphite cylinders to micrometer-scale silica spheres. Classical and quantum noise sources, from collisions with residual gas atoms to photon shot noise, contribute to the measured noise. Strategies for minimizing classical noise while maximizing the strength of the quantum interaction for sensing, entanglement, and fundamental physics measurements will be presented.
Microfabrication: The Invisible Industry: Andrew Lingley, Montana Microfabrication Facility Manager and Research Engineer in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Micro- and nanofabrication comprise a set of manufacturing facilities, materials, equipment, and processes originally developed to transform semiconductors like silicon into data processors and data storage devices. The incredible success of transistor miniaturization also led to a realization that manufacturing at small scales with extreme precision could enable new technologies and expedite their broad adoption. As a result, these fabrication techniques have expanded exponentially in reach and are now integral to nearly every technological advancement. This talk will provide a brief overview of the history of semiconductor manufacturing, introduce the fundamentals of micro- and nanoscale manufacturing, and highlight how these techniques enable new devices for photonics, optics, and quantum applications.
Oct. 29, 2025:
Electronic Structure of Rydberg Atoms: Martin Mosquera, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Rydberg atoms offer a versatile type of quantum information unit, where their effective function as qubits is the most sought. The electronic structure of Rydberg atoms, however, is very complex and not well understood to date. Given they are crucial for quantum information science, parameter-free simulation tools to explore in detail Rydberg atoms are required. In this talk, I will present our recent efforts to developing approaches to examine the behavior of these systems, including the challenges ahead for the field.
Magnetic Nanoparticles as Nano-Quantum Sensors in Neurobiology: Anja Kunze, Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering
In recent years, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have paved the way in biomedical engineering to precisely separate biological units from suspensions, to deliver therapeutic agents to single cells, or to guide the growth of biological tissues. But that is not all. MNPs also offer a bridge into quantum-scale magnetic interactions, offering new ways to probe and influence biological processes that are otherwise difficult to access. With a focus on biological neuronal networks, this talk conceptualizes MNPs as nano-quantum sensors that transduce magnetic field energy into a biological signal, specifically intracellular calcium dynamics. Although not operating in quantum superposition, their intrinsic magnetic moments interact locally with the neuronal intracellular environment, enabling precise and tunable modulation of biochemical activity. In this framework, neuronal calcium responses serve as an optical amplifier for nanoscale perturbations, providing a living readout of magnetic or mechanical stimuli at subcellular resolution. This hybrid bio–quantum sensing paradigm links quantum-level magnetic interactions to physiological signaling processes, laying the groundwork for bio-integrated quantum sensing and neuromorphic quantum technologies.
Oct. 22, 2025
Topological quantum computing: David Ayala, Professor, Department of Mathematical Sciences
This talk will survey a theoretical approach to quantum logic premised on anyons. Anyons are 2-dimensionally confined mutually entangled electrons. Their spacial confinement results in dramatically different spin-statistics than traditional electrons, accommodating an unbounded number of “spins” within a ground state. Consequently, anyons may serve as fault tolerant qubit arrangements. The local dynamics of anyons can be tuned to match desired logic; the constraints of such logic are governed by modular tensor categories. Modular tensor categories naturally arise upon specifying infinitesimal gauge symmetries. In this way, we have a mathematically rigorous approach to a rich class of tunable quantum logic systems.
Atoms in cavities for quantum information and precision sensing: Matt Jaffe, Assistant Professor, Physics
Neutral atoms have recently emerged as a leading qubit candidate for quantum computing. Cold atoms also provide a route to precise measurements of very weak gravitational forces known as atom interferometry. Both applications use optical fields to write-in / read-out information, as well as to trap and manipulate the atoms. Optical cavities provide exciting degrees of freedom to shape and manipulate photons for robust control over the sample atoms.
In this talk, I will discuss ongoing work constructing two experiments in our group in Montana State University Physics Department. The first will develop and utilize novel high numerical aperture optical resonators enabling strong single-atom/single-photon interactions even at low finesse. I will describe use cases of these resonators with neutral atom qubits, such as entanglement distribution and fast qubit readout. The second experiment uses a more traditional cavity geometry to realize a compact, high-sensitivity mobile atomic gravimeter. Such an apparatus can be small enough to be mobile, with sufficient sensitivity to conduct relevant field surveys of gravitational signatures in geophysics, underground resource monitoring, and non-invasive archaeology.
QCORE in the News
Montana State University Launches QCORE Facility, Installs Rigetti Novera Quantum Computer
MITRE and MSU Collaborate to Accelerate Advances in Rare Earth Minerals to Fuel Quantum Research
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