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A -- Josephson-Junctin Quantum Bits

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NB817000404023MASFederal

Contract Overview

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AI Contract Overview

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) plans to award a sole source contract to Colorado College for conducting scanned probe microscopy research on Josephson Junction qubit insulators. This effort is part of an ongoing quantum computing project aimed at improving the coherence times of Josephson Junction qubits by examining the nanoscale material properties thought to contribute to decoherence. The investigation will involve advanced scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to analyze atomic-scale topography and conducting atomic force microscopy (CAFM) for nanometer-scale topography and local conductance measurements. Initial work will utilize an existing NIST scanning probe microscope, followed by transfer of the methodology to a newly developed ultra-high vacuum STM/AFM at NIST, expected to be operational by mid-2004. The selected researcher from Colorado College must demonstrate specialized expertise in scanned probe microscopies applied to complex materials relevant to Josephson Junction qubits and deep understanding of qubit coherence challenges. The project will be conducted over a three-month period at NIST's Boulder laboratories and will be procured under simplified acquisition procedures with a ceiling of $100,000. The government views the researcher's unique qualifications as critical for achieving the program's goals. No competitive solicitation will be issued, but qualifications submitted in response to the notice will help determine if competition might be necessary. The anticipated contract award date is February 27, 2004.

General Info

NIST awards sole source $100,000 contract to Colorado College for Josephson Junction qubit microscopy research.

Agency

Department Of Commerce Noaa

NAICS

541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Place of Performance

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

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Timeline

PostedFeb 11

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Organization & Contact Information

AgencyDepartment Of Commerce Noaa

ContactsNo contacts available

OfficeSEATTLE, WA, 98115, USA

Organization / AgencyDepartment Of Commerce Noaa

Office AddressSEATTLE, WA, 98115, USA

ContactsNo contact information available

Full Description

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis contract under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) with the Colorado College for a scanned probe microscopy investigation of Josephson Junction qubit Insulators. As part of an ongoing research project to build a solid-state quantum computer using Josephson Junctions, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), plans to support a program of study to investigate candidate materials for Josephson-junction quantum bits by means of scanned probe microscopies. The quantum computer project requires achievement of longer coherence times for the JJ-qubits, and recent data indicates that the nanoscale materials properties of the junctions are a potential source of decoherence. Scanned probe microscopies represent a direct and optimal means to characterize and understand these properties. This program will use scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to investigate the atomic scale topography, and conducting atomic force microscopy (CAFM) to investigate the nanometer scale topography and simultaneous local conductance. In the initial stage of this work, an existing NIST SPM will be configured for these studies. Subsequently the methodology will be transferred to a new UHV STM/AFM expected to be operational at NIST in the summer of 2004. Qualifications include knowledge, as evidenced by publications, of (1) the use of scanned probe microscopies to study complex materials including those appropriate for use in JJ-qubits, and of (2) the issues surrounding the coherence of JJ qubits. The place of performance will be the NIST Boulder labs and the period of performance will be 3 months. It is the government's belief that the skills of the researcher engaged by the Colorado College uniquely qualify them for this work. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Terms and Conditions can be found on http://www.arnet.gov/far/ and agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/conops/reflib/alp1296.htm. A copy in full text is available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Anticipated award date February 27, 2004.