University at Buffalo Physicist Secures $1.1M in DoD Grants for Neutral-Atom Quantum Computing Research

Jamir Marino, an assistant professor at the University at Buffalo, has secured $1.1 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Defense to investigate the quantum dynamics of neutral-atom computing. The research aims to develop theoretical models for Rydberg atoms and their interactions within optical cavities to enhance the stability and scalability of quantum processors. This work is critical for the sector as neutral-atom systems transition from experimental prototypes to large-scale, fault-tolerant architectures with over 1,200 programmable qubits.

Jamir Marino, PhD, is leading a research team at the University at Buffalo to explore the fundamental physics of neutral-atom quantum computing, supported by two grants from the U.S. Department of Defense. Over the last five years, this technology has scaled rapidly, with current systems now capable of controlling more than 6,000 individual atoms and providing over 1,200 programmable qubits. Marino’s work focuses on simulating the behavior of highly excited Rydberg atoms to create elegant theories that can predict particle behavior in future fault-tolerant systems. The team will utilize the high-performance computing resources of Empire AI, a $500 million research consortium, to accelerate these complex simulations.

One primary focus of the research, funded by a $580,000 U.S. Navy grant, involves many-body quantum physics and the classification of exotic quantum phases. Marino intends to categorize these states based on their entanglement structure—the interconnectedness essential for computation—much like scientists classify traditional phases of matter such as solids and liquids. By studying Rydberg atoms operating far from equilibrium, the team hopes to identify and engineer specific quantum states that maximize computational advantage. This deeper understanding of entanglement is seen as a vital step toward moving beyond current hardware limitations.

A parallel effort supported by a $555,000 grant from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory investigates the use of quantum light to network arrays of neutral atoms. This research explores placing Rydberg arrays within optical cavities formed by mirrors to trap and manipulate light, aiming to enhance quantum networking capabilities. Marino is specifically investigating whether kinetic constraints within these arrays can be harnessed as control mechanisms to preserve fragile quantum states rather than being viewed as hindrances. This approach seeks to strengthen the Rydberg-cavity architecture, potentially offering a path to scale processing power by interconnecting multiple atom arrays.