Austin J. Minnich

Austin J. Minnich is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), serving as Deputy Chair of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science. His research focuses on advancing quantum technologies, low-noise amplifiers, and materials science, with applications in radio astronomy and quantum computing.

Education: B.S. from UC Berkeley (2006), M.S. from MIT (2008), Ph.D. from MIT (2011). He joined Caltech as an Assistant Professor in 2011, becoming full Professor in 2017.

Research interests include atomic layer etching for quantum devices, thermal transport in nanomaterials, and cryogenic electronics. His lab develops novel fabrication techniques like thermal laser epitaxy and isotropic plasma etching to achieve atomic-scale precision.

Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in quantum simulation, superconducting qubit systems, and ultra-low-noise transistor amplifiers. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award and the IPPA Junior Prize.

Minnich advises over 20 graduate students and postdocs, leading a vibrant research group with ties to quantum engineering and materials innovation. His lab is part of Caltech’s broader quantum science ecosystem, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.