ABOUT US
The Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute brings together leading quantum researchers and leverages collaborations with industry, government and academia to drive discovery of quantum phenomena and development of chip-scale quantum systems for tomorrow’s technologies.
EXPLORATION
We’re drilling down on nature’s fascinating secrets
Our Mission
Growing quantum research to empower new technologies
The Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute stands for:
- Facilities and support systems to empower groundbreaking quantum research
- Interdisciplinary cooperation between Purdue’s Colleges of Science and Engineering
- Better understanding of new materials and basic physical quantum systems
- Practical applications of quantum science to push forward computing and other technology
- Collaboration among industry, government and academia
- Training the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers
What is quantum science?
Quantum science is often seen as an opaque and mysterious area of study, and indeed there’s a lot we need to better understand. Quantum science is the study of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level. It has particular promise in making computing speeds faster. Quantum computing is based on qubits – quantum bits – that behave in a more sophisticated manner than traditional computing’s reliance on bits and bytes. PQSEI’s director, Yong Chen, explains one challenge with qubits in this article.
MEET OUR TEAM
We promote the potential of quantum science. Find out more about our director and other researchers and staff.
World-class facilities support our work
Birck Nanotechnology Center
Birck houses a 25,000-square-foot cleanroom and has a multitude of experimental capabilities including nanofabrication, materials and surface characterization and microscopy, quantum design physical property measurement system, and optical characterization laboratories.
The Purdue Physics Department
The Purdue Physics Department houses a crystal growth facility, various portable radioactive sources to test for radiation fidelity, machine and electronic shops, and a helium re-capture and re-liquification system, which significantly reduces costs of running cryogenic equipment.