Grant: Alliance Grants

The field of quantum science and technology focusing specifically on quantum simulation deals with the development of novel quantum systems and hardware to realize new approaches to understanding and controlling complex quantum many-body systems on different time and energy scales. "Programmable quantum simulators based on 2D materials" (PQS2D) will build a specialized quantum machine - a quantum simulator - for controllably emulating the complex behavior of quantum systems. Programable devices will be implemented in an emerging hardware platform based on 2D materials, where artificial lattices of interacting elements will be represented by moiré heterostructures and gated quantum dots (atomistic and electrostatically defined). As a cross-cutting theme PQS2D will also develop large-area high-quality 2D materials and theoretical models to understand them. PQS2D has the potential to solve a broad range of important outstanding problems on quantum phases of matter (correlated insulators, superconductors, Wigner crystals, topological phases, spin liquids, magnetism, etc.). Beyond the fundamental science, simulators can impact technology development for example by understanding the origin of high-temperature superconductivity or optimizing the performance of quantum materials (semiconductors, magnets, ferroelectrics, topological materials) for applications in electronics and optoelectronics. PQS2D is a large-scale project coordinated among three Canadian quantum hubs (9 research groups, 5 universities) working closely with four partners that will support the development of a quantum simulating platform while training the next generation quantum workforce.