Find Academic Supervisors

• Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Topological States of Matter
• Quantum Many-Body Systems
• +5 more

Biao Lian is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Princeton University, affiliated with the Department of Physics. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University (2017) and a B.S. in Physics from Tsinghua University (2012). His research focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics, including topological states of matter, quantum many-body systems, and quantum chaos. Notable areas include twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) physics, quantum Hall systems, and the interplay between topology and interactions in quantum materials. Key research interests include 2D Moiré materials (e.g., TBG's magic-angle superconductivity), thermal Hall effects, and quantum integrability/chaos in chiral models like the SYK model. He has pioneered studies on topological superconductors, nodal line semimetals, and entanglement Hamiltonians. His work bridges theoretical physics with experimental advances in quantum materials and topological phases. Awards include the NSF Career Award (2022), Sloan Fellowship (2021), and a gold medal at the 39th International Physics Olympiad. His 2023 Physical Review Letters paper on Kekulé graphene’s Kagome flat bands exemplifies his exploration of novel topological phenomena. Advising includes Ph.D. students Bo-Ting Chen, Kaiyuan Gu, Kevin Huang, and Bowei Liu. Research is supported by grants from NSF, DOE, and Princeton’s initiatives.

Peter ZollerView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Many-Body Quantum Physics
• +3 more

Peter Zoller is a Professor of theoretical physics at the University of Innsbruck and Scientific Director at IQOQI Innsbruck (Austrian Academy of Sciences). His research focuses on quantum optics, many-body quantum physics, and quantum information science, with a strong emphasis on quantum simulation of gauge theories and atomic systems. He has trained 34 PhD students and hosted 57 postdoctoral researchers, fostering collaborations between theory and experiment. His group, the Zoller Group, explores quantum phenomena such as lattice gauge theories, entanglement dynamics, and topological order using advanced quantum simulation techniques. Key research interests include atomic physics, quantum gases, and applications of quantum technologies to high-energy physics problems. Recent work addresses string breaking in quantum simulators, entanglement Hamiltonians, and scalable architectures for fermionic quantum processors. Collaborations span institutions like Harvard, MIT, and the University of Innsbruck’s experimental teams. His contributions bridge foundational physics with cutting-edge quantum technologies, aiming to solve problems inaccessible to classical methods.

Markus MüllerView profile

Professor

• Quantum Information Processing
• Quantum Simulation
• Quantum Error Correction
• +5 more

Markus Müller is a Professor in Theoretical Quantum Technology at RWTH Aachen University and the Forschungszentrum Jülich's Peter Grünberg Institute. He leads a research group focused on quantum information processing, quantum simulation, and topological quantum computing/ error correction using atomic, molecular, and optical systems. His work bridges theory and practice, with collaborations on trapped-ion and neutral-atom quantum processors. Education: PhD in Quantum Simulation (2011, University of Innsbruck). Postdoctoral positions at Complutense University Madrid. Faculty roles at Swansea University (2015–2019) before moving to Aachen. Research Interests: Quantum error correction, fault-tolerant protocols, topological phases, quantum neural networks, and scalable quantum hardware. His group explores applications in trapped ions, Rydberg atoms, and superconducting qubits, with projects funded by ERC and EU Quantum Flagship grants. Grants/Projects: ERC Starting Grant (Quantum Neural Networks), EU AQTION (Trapped Ion Quantum Computing), VEQTOR (Fault-Tolerance Validation), and Munich Quantum Valley (Neutral-Atom Processors). Key Publications: Includes experimental demonstrations of fault-tolerant gates, surface-code error correction, and quantum neural networks. Over 120 peer-reviewed articles in Nature Physics , Physical Review X , and Quantum .

• Quantum Optics
• Quantum Simulation
• Ultracold Atoms
• +3 more

Konrad Viebahn is a Researcher at ETH Zurich's Department of Physics, working within the Professorship for Quantum Optics. Based at HPF D 23, Otto-Stern-Weg 1, Zurich, he contributes to experimental quantum simulation research with contact via viebahnk@ethz.ch and +41 44 633 23 45. His research centers on quantum many-body systems in optical lattices, specializing in topological phenomena and Floquet engineering. Key interests include Thouless pumping in driven systems, quantum control of ultracold atoms, and mitigating heating in Floquet-Hubbard lattices. His work bridges theoretical concepts like topological phase transitions with experimental implementations using laser-cooled atomic gases. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals a consistent focus on engineering topological quantum behavior through periodic driving techniques. His group pioneers two-tone driving methods to manipulate band structures, enabling protected quantum gates and precise charge pumping. This research directly addresses challenges in quantum simulation scalability and error mitigation for future quantum technologies. As part of ETH Zurich's Quantum Optics group, Dr. Viebahn utilizes advanced optical lattice platforms to study strongly correlated quantum matter. The team's experimental setup involves precision laser systems for creating dynamical potentials, with recent work emphasizing the interplay between interactions and topology in non-equilibrium systems.

• Topological Quantum Computing
• Quantum Many-Body Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• +4 more

Jay D. Sau is a Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, College Park, and Co-Director of the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI). His research focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly topological quantum computing, quantum many-body systems, and Majorana fermions. He holds affiliations with the Condensed Matter Theory Center (CMTC) and JQI. Sau received his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley in 2008. His work bridges theoretical concepts in topological materials, superconductivity, and quantum information processing. Research Interests: Sau's primary interests include applying topological principles to solid-state and cold-atomic systems for quantum computation. Key areas include topological superconductivity, Majorana fermions, quantum Hall effects, and spin-orbit coupled systems. His group explores phenomena like topological degeneracy, Weyl semimetals, and cold atomic gases. Awards: He has been recognized with the National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2016) and the Sloan Research Fellowship (2016). His work has been published extensively in high-impact journals and covers topics ranging from Majorana physics to quantum phase transitions. Advising & Labs: Sau mentors graduate students including Tamoghna Barik, Stuart Thomas, Huan-Kuang Wu, and Shuyang Wang. His research group collaborates on projects at JQI and CMTC, focusing on experimental realizations of topological qubits and quantum devices.

Leon BalentsView profile

Professor

• Quantum Physics of Materials
• Condensed Matter Theory
• Magnetism
• +6 more

Leon Balents is a Professor at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP) and holds the Yzurdiaga Chair of Theoretical Physics at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). He is a leading theoretical physicist in quantum materials, with affiliations including co-director of the CIFAR Quantum Materials program, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences. His work bridges theory and experiment in condensed matter physics, focusing on systems like quantum spin chains, twisted bilayer graphene, and magnetic 2D materials. Bachelor’s in Physics and Mathematics, MIT PhD in Physics, Harvard University (1994) Dr. Balents is renowned for pioneering the theory of Coulomb interactions in quantum wires, discovering 3D topological insulators, and establishing Weyl semimetals. His research spans quantum spin liquids, topological spintronics, Van der Waals materials, and non-equilibrium probes of quantum systems. He collaborates extensively with experimentalists at UCSB, including Stephen Wilson, Susanne Stemmer, and Andrea Young, and leads efforts in the UCSB Quantum Foundry and the Simons Collaboration on Ultra-Quantum Matter. Scientific Awards and Honors : Fellow, American Physical Society Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Member, National Academy of Sciences Co-Director, CIFAR Quantum Materials Program Students and Collaborators : Kasra Hejazi, Chunxiao Liu, Mitchell Bordelon, and postdocs like Wenjie Ji and Jong Yeon Lee contribute to his group’s work. He teaches graduate-level condensed matter physics and leads virtual workshops on quantum materials. His GitHub projects, including a covidSB repository , reflect his interdisciplinary interests beyond physics.

Smitha VishveshwaraView profile

Professor

• Quantum Condensed Matter Theory
• Strongly Correlated Systems
• Low-Dimensional Physics
• +8 more

Smitha Vishveshwara is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds affiliations with the university’s Materials Research Laboratory and Beckman Institute. Her interdisciplinary work bridges quantum condensed matter theory, biophysics, and artistic expression. PhD in Theoretical Physics (University of California, Santa Barbara, 2002) Postdoctoral Researcher (2002–2005) in the Department of Physics at UIUC Her research focuses on quantum systems, including: Strongly correlated systems in low dimensions (Luttinger liquids, induced superconductivity in nanotubes) Topological order and Majorana fermions in superconductors Quench dynamics in spin chains and optical lattices Microgravity Bose-Einstein condensates and quantum bubbles Biophysics applications (protein networks via percolation theory) Gravitational parallels in quantum Hall systems Recent publications reveal trends in quantum Hall interferometry, Majorana detection schemes, and microgravity condensate dynamics. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award, Simons Fellowship, and APS Fellowship. She teaches courses like “Where the Arts Meets Physics” and has co-created art-science projects such as Quantum Voyages and Quantum Rhapsodies .

Fakher AssaadView profile

Professor

• Quantum Many-Body Systems
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Phase Transitions
• +4 more

Prof. Fakher Assaad is a Professor of Theoretical Physics I at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. His research focuses on quantum many-body systems, with expertise in numerical methods like quantum Monte Carlo simulations. He investigates metal-insulator transitions, heavy fermion compounds, and correlated electron systems. His work spans topics including Hubbard models, graphene physics, and topological quantum phases. Assaad leads the Theoretical Physics I team and collaborates with postdocs and students such as Dr. Marcin Raczkowski and Jonas Schwab. Research interests include quantum phase transitions, strongly correlated systems, and emergent phenomena in condensed matter. His studies often address challenges like sign problems in fermionic simulations and the interplay between magnetism and topology. Recent publications highlight advancements in quantum criticality, lattice models, and topological defects. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with computational methods to explore novel materials and quantum phenomena. Advising includes supervision of PhD and master’s students in theoretical physics. His group is part of the Wilhelm Wien Institute and contributes to the FOR1807 research network. The team is based at the M1 Computer Science/Physics building in Würzburg.

Charles KaneView profile

Professor

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Electronics
• Topological Insulators
• +3 more

Charles Kane is the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences, Department of Physics and Astronomy. His research focuses on quantum electronic phenomena in solids, particularly topological insulators, quantum spin Hall effects, graphene, and carbon nanotubes. He holds numerous academic chairs and fellowships, including the Class of 1965 Endowed Term Chair and IBM Predoctoral Fellowship. His honors include the Benjamin Franklin Medal, National Academy of Sciences membership, and the Oliver Buckley Condensed Matter Prize. Education: Ph.D. in Physics from MIT (1989) and B.S. in Physics from the University of Chicago (1985). Research Interests: His work integrates quantum field theory and numerical simulations to explore topological phases of matter. Key areas include the theory of topological insulators, quantum spin Hall effects, and nanoscale electronic systems. He emphasizes experimental collaboration to bridge theoretical and applied physics, with a focus on materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes. Articles Trends: Recent publications highlight advancements in topological density correlations, Fermi sea topology, and topological superconductivity. His work often addresses symmetry-enriched phases, quantum transport, and novel electronic states in low-dimensional systems. Awards: Benjamin Franklin Medal (2015) Elected to National Academy of Sciences (2014) Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (2014) Physics Frontiers Prize (2013) Grants & Advising: Recipient of Simons Investigator grant (2012) and Oliver Buckley Prize (2012). His research group advises on topological materials and quantum phenomena, though specific student names are not listed in the text. Labs & Teams: Leads research in Penn's Department of Physics, contributing to advancements in condensed matter theory and topological quantum computing.

• Conformal Field Theory
• Quantum Field Theory
• Renormalization Group
• +4 more

Slava Rychkov is a Permanent Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES), a position he has held since 2017. He specializes in strongly coupled quantum and conformal field theories, with applications across high energy physics, statistical mechanics, and condensed matter physics. His current research focuses on the conformal bootstrap and renormalization group techniques, including both perturbative and nonperturbative methods like tensor network renormalization. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Princeton University (2002) Master of Science, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1996) Recent research highlights include a groundbreaking connection between Deligne categories and symmetries of probabilistic loop ensembles in statistical physics, and a novel method for analytic continuation of Euclidean CFTs to Lorentzian signature. His work on the 2+ϵ expansion challenges established assumptions about critical exponents in 3D systems. Publications span topics from tensor renormalization group methods to rigorous mathematical approaches in the conformal bootstrap program. Scientific Awards: Jacques Solvay International Chair in Physics (2025) Grand Prix Mergier-Bourdeix, French Academy of Sciences (2019) New Horizons in Physics Prize (2014) As Deputy Director of the Simons Collaboration on the Nonperturbative Bootstrap, Rychkov leads efforts to rigorously analyze conformal field theories. His former advisees include prominent researchers at institutions like EPFL, Princeton, and Università di Genova. Current projects focus on resolving fundamental questions about critical phenomena and phase transitions using advanced mathematical physics tools.

Bruno NachtergaeleView profile

Professor

• Mathematical Physics
• Quantum Spin Systems
• Statistical Mechanics
• +3 more

Bruno Nachtergaele is a Professor of Mathematical Physics at the University of California, Davis , affiliated with the Department of Mathematics. His research focuses on Mathematical Physics , with particular emphasis on equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, quantum spin systems, and quantum information theory. Applications include condensed matter physics and materials science. His work explores foundational aspects of quantum many-body systems, including Lieb-Robinson bounds, topological order, and fractional quantum Hall effects. He has contributed to understanding gapped phases, symmetry breaking, and dynamics in quantum spin chains. Notably, he received the LeRoy Apker Award for his research contributions. His publications highlight advancements in quasi-locality bounds for lattice systems, spectral gaps in fractional quantum Hall systems, and the study of anyonic excitations. He has also co-edited special issues in journals like Journal of Mathematical Physics , reflecting his leadership in the field. Dr. Nachtergaele’s research bridges abstract mathematical techniques with real-world condensed matter phenomena, contributing to both theoretical frameworks and applied insights in quantum technologies.

Annabelle BohrdtView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Many-Body Systems
• Quantum Simulation
• +3 more

Annabelle Bohrdt is a Professor at the University of Regensburg's Faculty of Physics, affiliated with the Institute of Theoretical Physics. Her research focuses on strongly interacting quantum many-body systems, combining numerical methods, quantum simulation experiments, and machine learning techniques like neural networks. She explores topics such as the Fermi-Hubbard model, t-J model, and stripe formation in doped antiferromagnets. Her work bridges theoretical models and experiments, leveraging quantum gas microscopy and interpretable machine learning tools. Notable contributions include studies on pairing mechanisms in bilayer antiferromagnetic Mott insulators and the role of fluctuations in quantum many-body systems. Bohrdt actively collaborates with experimental groups to validate theoretical predictions. Teaching includes specialized courses on numerical methods for quantum many-body systems and machine learning applications in physics. She advises graduate and undergraduate students on projects in quantum matter and computational physics.

Zohreh DavoudiView profile

Associate Professor

• Quantum Chromodynamics
• Quantum Computing
• Lattice Gauge Theory
• +5 more

Zohreh Davoudi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds additional roles as a Fellow of the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS) and Associate Director for Education at the NSF Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation. Her research focuses on simulating strongly interacting systems using lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD), quantum simulation, and quantum computing. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Sharif University of Technology in Iran, followed by a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Washington (2014), and served as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT's Center for Theoretical Physics before joining UMD in 2017. Her research interests include developing computational frameworks to study nuclear and particle physics phenomena, such as neutrino interactions, dark matter scattering, and neutron star dynamics. She has pioneered efforts to leverage quantum computing to address the 'sign problem' in fermionic systems and simulate real-time dynamics of early universe matter. Notable awards include the 2025 Presidential Early Career Award, 2024 Simons Emmy Noether Fellowship, and 2019 Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship. Her educational contributions include leading training programs in quantum information science and fostering collaborations across institutes like RIKEN (2017–2021) and the NSF Quantum Simulation Institute. She supervises a dynamic research group focused on lattice gauge theory, quantum algorithms, and interdisciplinary applications such as neutrinoless double-beta decay calculations.

Lena FunckeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Quantum Computing
• Theoretical Physics
• Lattice Field Theory
• +3 more

Lena Funcke is an Assistant Professor of Theoretical Physics at Bonn University. Her research focuses on quantum computing, lattice field theory, and machine learning applications in physics. She explores topics such as topological phases, gauge theories, and quantum simulations. Her work bridges high-energy physics and computational methods, with a particular emphasis on overcoming noise challenges in quantum algorithms and leveraging machine learning for optimization tasks. Funcke’s research projects include C01 and C03, focusing on Hamiltonian lattice formulations and quantum computing methods for gauge theories. She investigates hybrid approaches combining Monte Carlo simulations with quantum computing to study quantum electrodynamics and topological systems. Her contributions highlight the interplay between theoretical physics and cutting-edge computational tools. Her publications span quantum algorithms for particle physics experiments, error mitigation strategies, and the application of normalizing flows to complex systems like the Hubbard model. She actively contributes to advancing the theoretical foundations of quantum computing and its practical implementation in solving fundamental physics problems.

• Mathematical Physics
• Integrable Systems
• Superconductivity Theory
• +3 more

Edwin Langmann is a Professor of Physics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. He holds a PhD in Theoretical Physics from the University of Vienna (1990) and has held academic positions including Assistant Professor at KTH (1994–1998), Postdoc at the University of British Columbia (1991–1994), and various roles at Swedish institutions since 2000. His research focuses on mathematical physics, integrable systems, and superconductivity theory, with contributions to quantum many-body systems and exactly solvable models. Affiliations: Department of Condensed Matter Theory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology Educations: PhD (Theoretical Physics, University of Vienna, 1990), M.Sc. (Technical Physics, TU Graz, 1986) Langmann teaches courses in physics and mathematical methods, advising numerous master’s theses. His work bridges theoretical physics and mathematics, addressing topics like Calogero-Sutherland models, fractional quantum Hall effects, and Hubbard model phase diagrams. Recent research includes antiferromagnetic order in 3D systems and BCS superconductivity with finite-range potentials. He has supervised students including Frode Boman (2021), Max Oliveberg (2021), and Charles Gilljam (2020). His publications span journals such as Communications in Mathematical Physics and Physical Review B , emphasizing integrable systems and quantum field theory.