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Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (RQS)

A New Take on the Oldest Physics: What Actually Happened Right After the Big Bang?

Zohreh Davoudi, Nicole Yunger Halpern, and Chris Jarzynski are collaborating to blend three disparate fields of physics—the study of elementary particles and their interactions, the understanding of temperature and heat in quantum mechanics, and quantum simulation—to create a novel approach to understanding and modeling the physics of the early universe and high-energy collisions.

Read the Story "A New Take on the Oldest Physics: What Actually Happened Right After the Big Bang?"
Register for the Quantum Leap Career Nexus on Oct 28.Learn More

With the support of the National Science Foundation, the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation uses quantum simulation to gain insight into and take advantage of the rich behavior of complex quantum systems. Work at the Institute is organized into three major research challenges.

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RESEARCH CHALLENGES

  • graphic showing the relationship between different research areas related to verified quantum simulations

    RC1: Verified Quantum Simulations

    Learn More about RC1: Verified Quantum Simulations
  • graphic showing the relationship between different research areas related to quantum simulations facing the environment

    RC2: Quantum Simulations Face the Environment

    Learn More about RC2: Quantum Simulations Face the Environment
  • graphic showing the relationship between different research areas related to scalable quantum simulations

    RC3: Scalable Quantum Simulations for Science and Technology

    Learn More about RC3: Scalable Quantum Simulations for Science and Technology
Explore RQS Research

News

  • Jarrett Nelson, a rising senior majoring in computer science and minoring in physics and math at Utah Valley University, explains his recent work involving quantum simulations using lasers at a poster session sponsored by the University of Maryland Office of Undergraduate Research.

    REU Program Immerses Students in Interdisciplinary Quantum Simulation Research

    August 8, 2025
  • William Phillips, a Distinguished University Professor of physics and a senior investigator in RQS, showed how extreme low temperatures often used in quantum research can affect everyday objects like balloons or rubber balls.

    RQS Sponsors STEM Showdown for Ninth Graders

    August 6, 2025
  • Duke and Yale

    Quantum Insider Names Duke and Yale Two of the Top Three Universities Worldwide for Quantum Research

    July 23, 2025
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Events

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Latest Publications

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I’m fascinated by entropy because it’s this abstract concept, quantified with a funny-looking function, but it has such important real-life implications.

Portrait of Nicole Yunger Halpern
Nicole Yunger Halpern

Education & Workforce

RQS researchers and staff actively engage our community and the broader public in science.

Education & Workforce
Light-induced fractional quantum Hall
We are building up the quantum workforce by supporting intensive, student-led inquiry into quantum science and providing novel avenues for collaboration and learning.

Want to collaborate with RQS?

Learn about programs available for RQS team members and the broader community.

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