Oak Ridge opens new research centre with its first on-site quantum computer

[Kane73]

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has commissioned a new research building called the Translational Research Capability. HPCwire carries ORNL's announcement. The 100,000 square foot building sits near the historic Graphite Reactor and was opened with an open house and dedication

For quantum fans, the headline is that the building hosts ORNL's first on premises quantum computer, called Pathfinder. It also houses quantum sensing research and a local quantum network testbed. Having all three under one roof should make collaboration across quantum computing, sensing and networking much easier

The building was designed with quantum experiments in mind. The quantum labs have floors that are mechanically isolated from the rest of the building to reduce vibration, and continuous aluminium shielding in the walls and floors to block electromagnetic interference. Those details matter enormously for sensitive quantum hardware

Quantum is only part of the building's purpose. It also supports research into materials, energy storage, nuclear energy and national security, and includes what ORNL describes as the driest dry lab in the Department of Energy complex. Nicholas Peters, who heads the Quantum Information Science Section, and Travis Humble, director of the Quantum Science Center, are both quoted

National laboratories play a big role in quantum research, from building hardware to testing it on real scientific problems. Having a quantum computer on site gives ORNL researchers hands on access rather than relying only on cloud services. It is a solid investment in the lab's future

How valuable is it for national labs to host their own quantum computers? And what kinds of science should Pathfinder tackle first?

Ornl Commissions New Center For Quantum Materials And Energy Researchwww.hpcwire.com