The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded $50 million in grants to five universities to build new research facilities. While this article does not detail a specific quantum computing standard, it highlights the physical infrastructure required to support quantum research. One project at UCLA includes dedicated space for quantum metrology, which is essential for measuring quantum systems accurately. These grants support construction for nanotechnology, earthquake simulation, sustainability, and oceanography research, aiming to boost scientific competitiveness and job creation.
The selected projects include a sustainability building at RIT, an earthquake research center at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a nano-science facility at the University of Michigan. The UCLA project, WIN GEM, is specifically designed to house centers for advanced energy and nanoelectronics. Construction is scheduled to begin shortly, with completion dates ranging from late 2012 to early 2014. The new laboratories will feature specialized environments for sensitive measurements, such as low-vibration and temperature-controlled chambers, providing the necessary tools for researchers to develop and test advanced quantum and nanoscale technologies.
Keywords: nanoscale metrology, quantum metrology, ultra-low vibration laboratories
