Noel Receives NSF CAREER Award to Scale Chip-Based Quantum Computing
June 3, 2026
Crystal Noel, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Duke University, has received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance her research on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN)—an up-and-coming photonic material that could enable the next major leaps in quantum computing.
Noel, a senior investigator in the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (RQS), is principal investigator of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award, expected to total $665,000 over the next five years.
This highly competitive award, one of NSF’s most prestigious for early-career faculty, recognizes researchers with the potential to serve as academic role models and drive advances in their fields.
Noel’s project focuses on shrinking the bulky, delicate optical arrangements used to control quantum computers down onto a single chip. Unlike current quantum systems that rely on large optical devices on the sidelines to manipulate light, this new platform aims to bring light delivery and quantum components together on the same microchip, allowing quantum computers to become smaller and far more scalable.
The core challenge comes down to a shift in the type of light being used. While TFLN efficiently steers the infrared wavelengths used in telecommunications, quantum operations require high-intensity visible light. This triggers a phenomenon called photorefraction, causing small distortions in the material that can disrupt delicate quantum calculations.
To solve this, Noel’s team is measuring how the material responds under precise laser beams to design stable prototype devices.
“Our goal is to understand whether photonic devices made from TFLN can deliver laser light that’s stable and precise enough to maintain the low-error quantum operations that trapped ions offer,” Noel said.
If they can master this light delivery, it unlocks a massive advantage for hardware design by packing more power into a fraction of the space.
“You’d get more capability per square inch with this material,” Noel said. “That makes it one of the few pathways that might be practical to integrate directly with an ion trap.”
Parallel to her work in the lab, Noel is leveraging the funding to cultivate a diverse pipeline of quantum talent. Through a partnership with Duke’s Shared Materials Instrumentation Facility, her team will integrate hands-on chip fabrication activities into local youth summer camps. Additionally, the project establishes an internship pathway with Durham Technical Community College, giving technical students practical laboratory experience to launch careers in the rapidly growing quantum industry.
—News brief adapted from an article by the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University
Award Information:
"Quantum Control of Trapped Ion Qubits with Electro-Optic Integrated Photonic Circuits" is supported by NSF grant #2541459 from the NSF’s Division of Physics
PI: Crystal Noel, a senior investigator in the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (RQS) and an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Duke University
About the CAREER award: The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is an NSF activity that offers the foundation’s most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organization.
