CAREER: Laser-Assisted Hybrid Nanomanufacturing System to Scale up Qubit Array Fabrication for (i) Quantum Computing and (ii) In-space Manufacturing

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $550,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award supports the investigation of a new hybrid nanomanufacturing platform to build quantum information devices with high precision and reliability. The project advances the national interest by promoting the progress of science for in-space manufacturing and quantum computing and strengthening the United States' leadership in next-generation space systems and quantum technologies. The work will lay the groundwork for scalable production of qubit arrays, enabling more powerful and energy-efficient computation and measurement. The research also prepares technologies suitable for future space-based manufacturing, where microgravity can improve material uniformity in quantum devices. The educational plan integrates research with hands-on learning through an immersive virtual reality teaching platform. The virtual reality enabled training will increase participation and open pathways for learners, especially those who typically do not have access to hardware or testing facilities, to participate in advanced manufacturing and quantum technology education. The objective of this CAREER project is to establish a laser-assisted hybrid nanomanufacturing system that unifies three capabilities: electrically driven micro- and nano-scale printing of functional materials; coaxial femtosecond laser sintering to form dense, functional, and patterned three dimensional features; and dual-angle laser diffraction sensing for in situ quality monitoring and feedback control. The research will (1) model and measure coupled electric fields, droplet formation, and material transport during printing; (2) establish predictive models for laser-induced melting, neck growth, and microstructure evolution that govern device functionality; (3) design and implement the laser diffraction based sensing and control framework to enable nanoscale digital holographic microscopy; and (4) demonstrate optically addressable qubit arrays fabricated with

Key facts

NSF award ID
2541289
Awardee
University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
SAM.gov UEI
LCLSJAGTNZQ7
PI
Hantang Qin
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, MATERIALS PROCESSING AND MANFG, Materials Engineering, Advanced Materials Processing, Advanced Manufacturing, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT, MANUFACTURING
Estimated total
$550,000
Funds obligated
$550,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
05/01/2026 → 04/30/2031