MITRE builds new quantum imaging using NVIDIA CUDA-Q

Walsh Imaging will provide new insights for semiconductor security, drug intervention, and healthcare

MCLEAN, Va., & BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MITRE and NVIDIA are collaborating on simulation tools to better design and optimize quantum imaging systems. The noninvasive system created by MITRE, called Walsh Imaging, can produce images of nanoscale electromagnetic signals that can be used to understand how a semiconductor, or a brain’s neurons, are reacting in real time.

“Walsh Imaging unlocks new potential across security, medicine, and the microelectronics sector through its ability to see small changes in electrical activity in cells and transistors at their natural scale, the nanoscale,” said Nima Leclerc, a quantum research scientist at MITRE. “I’m excited to partner with leading experts in neuroimaging and microelectronics to transition this capability out of the lab and into the real world.”

The system images semiconductors to monitor transistor computation or image neurons in the brain as they respond to drug intervention. Using a novel imaging technique, the Walsh Imaging protocol can show electromagnetic fields with more sensitivity and precision than traditional technologies.

Quantum imaging uses quantum mechanics to measure and show nanoscale changes in the environment, far beyond conventional imaging means. These quantum imaging techniques use the sensitivity of electrons in diamonds to respond to small changes in the magnetic field in their environment, for different points in space and time. Quantum imaging has implications for healthcare and cybersecurity. Designing these imaging systems relies on detailed simulations of the quantum sensors involved, only possible by drawing on the GPU-accelerated power of NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform.

Using NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD and MITRE's Federal AI Sandbox, MITRE is able to build an environment for modeling and simulating the complex components needed for the Walsh Imaging system. MITRE is collaborating with NVIDIA to implement these simulation tools at scale, reducing the time needed to simulate and optimize these systems from days to less than an hour.

“This work shows the broad importance of accelerated simulations of quantum systems," said Tim Costa, senior director of CAE, quantum and CUDA-X at NVIDIA. “MITRE’s work on quantum sensors demonstrates the reach of quantum technologies and how NVIDIA accelerated computing plays a crucial role.”

About MITRE

MITRE’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to driving solutions to our nation’s most pressing challenges. As a not-for-profit research and development organization, MITRE’s staff leverage our unique multi-sponsor vantage point, systems expertise, and innovative solutions to ensure the health, prosperity, and security of our nation.