Elliot Bentine is a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Department of Physics. He also holds a Senior Postdoc position in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine. His work integrates quantum physics and medical imaging, focusing on the Vascular Imaging Tool for the Auricle (VITA), a non-invasive optical system for cardiovascular health assessment. Collaborates with Dr. Lapidaire (Cardiovascular Medicine) and previously worked in Professor Chris Foot's quantum gases group. Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), British Heart Foundation, and other translational research programs. His research spans quantum optics, ultra-cold matter, and computational simulation, with a recent emphasis on medical device commercialization. Bentine also develops open-source physics simulations (e.g., AtomECS, CRFAP) and Unity-based tools like ProPixelizer, which has sold over 35,000 copies. Scientific Awards: Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship He contributes to academic and creative communities through outreach demos, including browser-based simulations of evaporative cooling and magnet interactions.
Jon Simon is the Joan Reinhart Professor and Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University . He leads the Simon Lab , which explores the convergence of condensed matter physics , quantum optics , and quantum information science , focusing on creating synthetic materials from light and investigating topological and strongly correlated quantum systems. His research spans constructing photonic materials in quantum circuits, studying small quantum systems with strong correlations, and applying Hamiltonian engineering to realize exotic states of matter. The lab has achieved milestones like the first Mott insulator of photons and topologically insulating circuits . Collaborative projects with the Schuster Lab leverage superconducting quantum circuits for synthetic matter studies. Jon's students include Adam Shaw (PhD, now at Stony Brook) Lavanya Taneja (PhD, now at Atom Computing) Ruichao Ma (Postdoc, now faculty at Purdue) among others. The lab's recent publications focus on cavity arrays, hybrid quantum systems, and topological photonics. Research is supported by grants and affiliations with Stanford's Department of Applied Physics and interdisciplinary institutes.
Seth Aubin is a Professor of Physics at the College of William & Mary, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with emphases on precision measurements and quantum phenomena. Key projects include developing atom chip technologies for trapping ultracold atoms, Rydberg atom-based sensors for charged particle diagnostics, and francium spectroscopy for weak interaction studies. Education: License de Physique (ENS Paris/MIP), 1994 B.Sc. in Physics, Yale University, 1995 Ph.D. in Physics, SUNY Stony Brook, 2003 Research Themes: Quantum Trapping Techniques: Innovations in AC Zeeman atom chip traps and RF microtraps to suppress potential roughness Rydberg Atom Sensors: Pioneering applications in electron beam profiling and electromagnetic field imaging Franium Spectroscopy: Collaborative work on parity-violation measurements and isotope shift analyses Recent Article Trends: Recent work emphasizes practical implementations of quantum sensors (e.g., charged particle beam diagnostics) and foundational trapping technology advancements. Over 30 peer-reviewed publications since 2018 reflect sustained contributions to atom chip systems and precision measurements. Awards: American Physical Society Fellow (APS Fellow) Grants & Collaborations: Lead PI on atom chip-based interferometry projects Contributing member to the FrPNC collaboration at TRIUMF (atomic parity violation studies) Developed hybrid optical dipole traps for magnetometry applications Labs & Infrastructure: Manages state-of-the-art atomic physics labs at W&M, including ultrahigh-vacuum systems for francium trapping and laser stabilization setups. Active in developing microwave/radio-frequency atom chip platforms for next-generation quantum sensors.
Dana Anderson is a Professor of Physics and JILA Fellow at the University of Colorado Boulder. He holds dual affiliations with the Department of Physics and JILA, a joint institute between the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His research focuses on ultracold atoms, quantum computing, and atomtronics, with applications in quantum sensing and space-based experiments. He currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of Infleqtion (formerly ColdQuanta), a quantum technology company he co-founded. Anderson is a principal investigator in the Quantum Pathways Institute, a NASA-funded initiative to develop quantum-based Earth-sensing technologies. He collaborates with institutions like NIST, JPL, and ColdQuanta on projects such as the Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) for space-based ultracold atom research. His work has been recognized by TIME Magazine and led to significant grants, including a $15M NASA award for quantum space research. Research interests include atomtronics (hybrid atom-electronics systems), neutral atom quantum computing, and ultracold atom gyroscopes. His group develops novel atom chip technologies, such as window atom chips enabling high-resolution imaging, and explores applications like matterwave transistors and quantum inertial sensors. Current projects include shaken lattice interferometry for navigation and Rydberg atom-based microwave sensors. Anderson has pioneered concepts like the matterwave transistor oscillator and contributed to the first neutral atom quantum computing arrays. His work bridges fundamental physics and applied technologies, with a focus on translating quantum phenomena into practical devices. He actively mentors students and postdocs in experimental atomic physics and quantum engineering.
Georg Raithel is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he has been a faculty member since 1997 following postdoctoral research at NIST as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow. His research focuses on experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics, specializing in Rydberg atom systems for quantum sensing and precision measurement applications. His academic background includes: Habilitation, University of Munich, Germany (1995) Ph.D., University of Munich, Germany (1990) Diploma, University of Munich, Germany (1987) Raithel's work centers on Rydberg atoms and their applications in quantum sensing, precision spectroscopy, and quantum information. His group investigates electromagnetically induced transparency in vapor cells, atom interferometry, ultracold plasmas, and Rydberg-atom-ion molecules. Recent breakthroughs include tractor atom interferometry for rotation sensing and SI-traceable electric field probes, bridging fundamental physics with practical quantum technologies. His publication trends show increasing focus on applied quantum systems, particularly Rydberg-atom-based sensors for electromagnetic field measurement, quantum communication protocols, and precision metrology devices. This evolution reflects a strategic shift from fundamental Rydberg physics toward engineered quantum solutions for real-world measurement challenges. Major scientific recognitions include: Fellow of the American Physical Society Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship Raithel has mentored approximately thirty Ph.D. students who now hold positions across academia, industry, and government laboratories. His research has been supported by sustained funding from the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy, enabling development of advanced laser systems for cold atom manipulation and quantum control. The Raithel laboratory, housed in Homer A. Neal Laboratory (rooms SB149, SB283, SB290), maintains multiple experimental setups for laser cooling, optical trapping, and vapor-cell spectroscopy. His group actively collaborates with industry through Rydberg Technologies Inc., which he co-founded to commercialize atom-based sensing technology.
David Allcock is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Oregon, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on ion trapping, quantum computing, and hybrid quantum systems, with an emphasis on manipulating atomic and molecular systems using electric and magnetic fields for quantum information applications. He leads the Ion Trapping Lab at UO, where he develops scalable quantum technologies and open-source control systems like ARTIQ and Sinara. His work bridges experimental physics with engineering, addressing challenges in qubit control, error mitigation, and large-scale quantum computer design. Education: MPhys from the University of Oxford (2007), D.Phil. in Physics from Oxford (2012). Prior to UO, he was a Lindemann Fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, CO. His research includes innovations in trapped-ion qubit control, including laser-free entangling gates, scalable architectures, and applications in quantum sensing and dark matter detection. Key research themes include metastable qubit systems, photon scattering error mitigation, and the integration of superconducting detectors for state readout. He collaborates on open-source hardware-software stacks for quantum experiments and mentors students in quantum engineering through programs like the Quantum Technology Master’s Internship. Current projects explore hybrid quantum-classical interfaces and ultra-stable ion trap fabrication. His lab’s contributions span theoretical and experimental domains, with recent advances in geometric phase gates, microwave-driven control, and error-resilient qubit operations. The group also engages in interdisciplinary work linking quantum computing with precision measurement, such as SPUD (SPectroscopy for Ultralight Dark matter) and bosonic sensing tools.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Anne E. White is the School of Engineering Distinguished Professor of Engineering and associate vice president for research administration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She serves in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering within MIT's School of Engineering and is a key researcher at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC). White has held significant leadership roles including NSE department head from 2019 to 2023 and co-chair of the MIT Climate Nucleus from 2021 to 2024. She currently chairs the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC), providing federal advisory input to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. White received her PhD in physics from UCLA, where she conducted research at the Electric Tokamak. Her early career included research positions at the National Spherical Torus Experiment at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and the DIII-D National Fusion Facility at General Atomics before joining MIT as a faculty member. Her educational background laid the foundation for her expertise in plasma physics and fusion energy research. Professor White's research focuses on magnetic fusion energy, specifically on understanding turbulent transport in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. Her work spans diagnostic development, novel experimentation, and validation of nonlinear gyrokinetic codes. She aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a practical part of the world's sustainable energy future. Her group develops and uses radiometers, reflectometers, and interferometers to measure fluctuations in plasma density, temperature, and flows in tokamaks. This research is critical for improving predictive capabilities of turbulent transport models, which is essential for developing viable fusion reactors. Analysis of Professor White's recent publications reveals a strong focus on plasma diagnostics and turbulence measurements across multiple tokamak facilities. Her work spans experimental measurements on ASDEX Upgrade, Alcator C-Mod, NSTX, and DIII-D tokamaks, with particular emphasis on electron temperature fluctuations, turbulence characterization, and transport model validation. A significant theme is the development and application of novel diagnostic techniques for simultaneous measurements of multiple plasma parameters. Her research increasingly incorporates computational approaches, including gyrokinetic simulations and machine learning methods, to interpret experimental data and advance predictive capabilities in fusion plasma physics. Professor White has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career: Fellow, American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics (2019) Cecil and Ida Green Career Development Professor, MIT (2014) American Physical Society Katherine E. Weimer Award (2014) Fusion Power Associates Excellence in Fusion Engineering Award (2014) Junior Bose Award for Excellence in Teaching, MIT (2014) PAI Outstanding Faculty Award from MIT student chapter of the American Nuclear Society (2013) Norman C. Rosenbluth Career Development Professor, MIT (2012-2014) Department of Energy Early Career Award (2011-2016) Marshall N. Rosenbluth Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award (2009) As an educator and mentor, Professor White has advised numerous students through MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. She has taught courses including Principles of Plasma Diagnostics, Seminar in Fusion & Plasma Physics, and Introduction to Plasma Physics. Her leadership extends to developing educational resources, notably leading a team in 2018 to create a free MITx MOOC focused on nuclear science and engineering for global high school learners. Professor White has secured significant research funding through Department of Energy awards, including the Early Career Award (2011-2016) and various fusion energy fellowships throughout her career. Her research group at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center has contributed to multiple major fusion facilities and has been instrumental in advancing understanding of plasma turbulence and transport. Professor White leads the Fusion and Plasmas Lab at MIT, which focuses on diagnostic development and turbulence measurements in fusion plasmas. Her team has made significant contributions to research on four major tokamaks: Alcator C-Mod, ASDEX Upgrade, DIII-D, and National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade. At MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, she previously served as assistant division head for magnetic fusion energy collaborations and ran the Gyrokinetic Simulation Working Group and the Alcator C-Mod Transport Group. Her lab maintains close collaboration between experimental work, theoretical modeling, and computational simulation to advance the understanding of plasma turbulence and transport phenomena critical for fusion energy development.
University of California , Santa Barbara (UCSB)United States
Angela Pitenis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), within the College of Engineering. Her research focuses on interfacial phenomena in soft materials, particularly friction, adhesion, wear, and deformation of complex surfaces ranging from living cells to polymer nanocomposites. She employs advanced experimental techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and interferometry to study these interfaces under extreme conditions and within buried environments. Her work has direct applications in healthcare, energy sustainability, and engineering design. Prof. Pitenis holds a Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida. Her research group investigates biomaterials, hydrogel lubrication, and bioinspired materials, with recent studies addressing implant-associated inflammation, tumor cell dynamics in 3D microgels, and pH-responsive hydrogel friction. She is affiliated with the Materials Research Lab at UCSB and contributes to interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of materials science and biology. Notable research trends in her work include the development of biocompatible lubricious surfaces, understanding friction-induced biological responses, and designing smart materials with tunable mechanical properties. Her studies on photoresponsive hydrogels and superlubricious materials highlight innovations in responsive and adaptive material systems. Pitenis emphasizes in situ experimental methods and has pioneered techniques for analyzing dynamically evolving material interfaces. Her research also extends to marine biomaterials, such as the mechanical resilience of sessile tunicates, and explores applications in medical implants, bioreactors, and energy systems. While specific awards are not listed here, her contributions reflect a commitment to advancing soft matter tribology and biomaterials science.
Professor Nicole Metje is a Professor of Infrastructure Monitoring at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, and Director of the National Buried Infrastructure Facility. She also serves as Co-director of the Institute of Quantum Technology. Her research focuses on quantum sensing, geotechnical engineering, and infrastructure monitoring, with a particular emphasis on buried infrastructure detection and sustainable urban development. Education: PhD in Civil Engineering (University of Birmingham, 2001); Dipl.-Ing. in Civil Engineering (Hannover University, Germany, 1998). Key roles and affiliations include membership in EPSRC Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Team, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, and international advisory boards for Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She has authored/co-authored over 50 journal papers and a textbook on tunnel construction. Research areas include quantum sensor applications for buried asset detection, geophysical soil properties, and sensor development for infrastructure monitoring. She leads projects such as UKCRIC National Buried Infrastructure Facility and Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology. Awards and fellowships include FICE, FCInstCES, CEng, FHEA, and multiple committee memberships in national/international bodies. Teaching includes MSc courses on underground construction and geotechnical engineering. She supervises doctoral research on quantum sensors, soil-structure interactions, and sustainable infrastructure.
Dr. Alex S Clark is an Associate Professor in Quantum Technologies at the University of Bristol's School of Physics, where he serves as a Senior Lecturer and Royal Society University Research Fellow. He is a key member of the Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (QETLabs) and leads the Interfaces Work Package in the EPSRC Programme Grant 'Quantum Science with Ultracold Molecules (QSUM).' Additionally, he holds a Visiting Academic position at Imperial College London and serves as Honorary Secretary for the QQQ Group at the Institute of Physics. His research focuses on Solid State Quantum Nanophotonics, exploring the use of atoms, molecules, and solid state defects to develop quantum technologies. Dr. Clark's work spans quantum imaging, quantum sensing, and quantum information processing, with particular emphasis on creating on-demand photon sources, quantum memories, photonic quantum gates, and hybrid interfaces to link disparate quantum systems. His research integrates experimental and theoretical approaches across quantum photonics, nanophotonics, and quantum technology. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward practical quantum applications, particularly in quantum sensing and imaging using undetected light. His work demonstrates increasing focus on real-world applications including methane sensing, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring, while maintaining fundamental research in quantum optics and nanophotonics. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges physics, engineering, and materials science. Among his notable achievements is the prestigious Royal Society University Research Fellowship, recognizing his significant contributions to quantum technology research. His work has resulted in numerous publications and patents in quantum photonics and related fields. Dr. Clark leads multiple major research initiatives, including the Quantum Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Hub (2024-2029) and the Integrated Quantum Networks project. His research has secured substantial funding through EPSRC grants and other sources, supporting a vibrant research group focused on advancing quantum technologies from fundamental principles to practical applications. Within the Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (QETLabs), Dr. Clark's research group works at the intersection of quantum optics, nanophotonics, and quantum information science. His team develops novel photonic platforms for quantum applications, with particular expertise in quantum imaging with undetected photons, quantum sensing, and integrated quantum photonics.
Oliver Schmitz is a Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he leads research in plasma edge physics for magnetic confinement fusion and next-generation particle accelerators. His work bridges experimental plasma science, computational modeling, and diagnostic development with applications in both tokamaks and stellarators. Education: PhD (2006), Heinrich-Heine-Universität Diploma (2003), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Professor Schmitz's research focuses on 3D plasma edge transport phenomena, plasma-wall interactions, and helicon plasma generation for wakefield accelerators. His group employs advanced computational tools like EMC3-EIRENE for 3D plasma edge modeling and develops active spectroscopic diagnostics to measure plasma parameters through atomic emission analysis. Key themes include resonant magnetic perturbation effects in tokamaks, inherent 3D physics in stellarators, and high-density plasma sustainment for accelerator applications. He actively develops atomic models to interpret spectroscopic data and operates helicon plasma test stands for fundamental process studies. Recent publications reveal strong emphasis on experimental-computational integration for fusion boundary physics, with significant contributions to ITER divertor solutions, stellarator exhaust optimization, and plasma-facing materials. The work shows growing focus on wakefield accelerator diagnostics through helicon plasma sources and advanced spectroscopy, alongside persistent innovation in 3D modeling of plasma-material interfaces. Scientific Awards: 2020 Thomas and Suzanne Werner Chair Professorship 2018 UW Madison Teaching Academy Fellow 2017 ITER Science Fellowship & Vilas Mid-Career Award 2015 DOE Early Career Award & NSF CAREER Award 2011 Torkil Jensen Award (General Atomics) 2007 Günther-Leibfried-Preis (Jülich) Professor Schmitz directs multiple DOE/NSF-funded research programs including his UW Madison laboratory and AWAKE project contributions at CERN. He mentors graduate students through NE 890/990 thesis research courses and has developed nationally recognized K-12 outreach including the "Plasma Show" for elementary schools and "Plasma Academy" for high-school educators developing AP Physics curriculum modules. His leadership extends to university governance through the Kaufman seminar on academic leadership. His research group operates helicon plasma test stands and computational facilities for EMC3-EIRENE simulations, with current efforts focused on high-density plasma sources for accelerators and resilient divertor solutions for stellarators. The group maintains strong international collaborations with ITER, CERN, and major fusion facilities worldwide.
Dana Z. Anderson is a Professor and Fellow at JILA at the University of Colorado Boulder, holding the Glen Murphy Endowed Chair in the Department of Physics within the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) . His research focuses on nonlinear optics , atom optics , and optical precision measurements . Key projects include advancing atomtronics (quantum analogs of electronic systems), neutral atom quantum computing , and ultracold atom gyroscopes . He leads the Anderson Optical Physics (AOPy) group , pioneering applications like shaken lattice interferometry for space navigation and quantum sensor development . Anderson's work bridges fundamental physics and applied technologies. His group develops window atom chip technology for ultracold atom manipulation and in-situ imaging systems . Collaborations include NASA's Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) mission for microgravity experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). Notable contributions include demonstrating matterwave transistor oscillators and optical lattice-based quantum devices . His research has been recognized in high-impact journals like Physical Review Letters and Review of Modern Physics . He actively engages in public outreach and industry partnerships , serving as Chief Strategy Officer at ColdQuanta, a quantum tech startup spun from his lab's innovations.
Trey Porto is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, affiliated with the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) and NIST. His research focuses on ultra-cold atoms, quantum optics, and quantum information science. He leads projects on Rydberg atoms, optical lattices, and quantum networking, leveraging cold atom systems to explore novel quantum phenomena and control strategies. Research areas include ultra-cold Rb/Yb mixtures for studying Bose-Einstein condensates and engineered dissipation, as well as photon-photon interactions using Rydberg-dressed polaritons. His work bridges quantum simulation, quantum computing, and precision measurement, with applications in quantum networking and many-body physics. Key achievements include the 2023 UMD Quantum Invention of the Year Award for developing photon-counting methods that preserve quantum states. Porto collaborates with groups such as RQS and JQI, contributing to advancements in subwavelength optical potentials and Floquet-engineered systems. He mentors graduate students in experimental and theoretical aspects of cold atoms and quantum technologies. Publications highlight breakthroughs in Rydberg blockade enhancement, prethermal Bose-Einstein condensation, and compact auto-alignment systems for experimental setups. His lab is based in the Physical Sciences Complex on the UMD campus, with ongoing projects exploring quantum dissipation and photon-atom hybrid systems.
Karl Ulrich Schreiber is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and an apl. Professor at the Institute for Astronomical and Physical Geodesy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He is a scientist at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell, jointly operated by TUM and the Bundesamt für Kartographie und Geodäsie (BKG). His work bridges fundamental physics and geodetic applications, with leadership roles in major international projects including ESA’s MAGIC/Science, QSG4EMT, and Baltic+ Theme 5, as well as DFG Research Units NEROGRAV and UPLIFT. His research focuses on Space Geodesy , Satellite and Lunar Laser Ranging , and Ring Laser Technology . He has pioneered the use of large ring laser gyroscopes for measuring Earth's rotation, polar motion, and seismic rotations. His work enables high-precision monitoring of geophysical phenomena such as Earth tides, Chandler wobble, and rotational ground motions from earthquakes. He is a key contributor to multi-technique co-location studies (VLBI, SLR, GNSS) and time transfer experiments, advancing the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS). His recent publications show a strong trend in developing and applying large-scale ring laser arrays (e.g., ROMY) for geophysical sensing, photon-counting laser ranging for space debris and satellite tracking, and optical timing systems for synchronization across geodetic networks. These efforts span disciplines including geodesy, seismology, quantum optics, and fundamental physics. Scientific contributions include: Development of the Wettzell Large Ring Laser (G-ring) for continuous Earth rotation monitoring. First direct measurements of Earth's diurnal polar motion and Chandler wobble using ring lasers. Pioneering work in rotational seismology, validating ring laser data against seismic arrays. Contributions to lunar laser ranging and its role in reference frame realization. Leadership in ESA and DFG projects advancing space geodesy and inertial sensing. He advises doctoral and master’s students within the DFG Research Training Group UPLIFT and collaborates with international institutions on instrumentation and data analysis. His lab at Wettzell hosts advanced laser ranging and ring laser systems, serving as a fundamental geodetic observatory. Future work includes enhancing clock ties for global geodesy, expanding multi-component rotation sensing, and advancing space-based geodetic technologies.
Yong Chen is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at Purdue University. His research spans quantum physics, nanotechnology, and materials science, focusing on advanced 2D materials, topological insulators, and quantum transport phenomena. Condensed Matter Physics Quantum Computing Nanotechnology Materials Science Photonics Spintronics Recent publications highlight his work on van der Waals heterostructures, Bose-Einstein condensates, Raman spectroscopy applications, and quantum interference effects. His studies often intersect with machine learning, energy storage, and synthetic magnetic field engineering of quantum systems. Yong Chen's email address is yongchen@purdue.edu , and further information can be accessed at his Purdue University profile .
