Erich Mueller

Erich Mueller is a Professor at the Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University. He directs the Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics and previously served as Director (2015-2023). His research focuses on theoretical physics of ultracold atomic gases, quantum optics, and exotic quantum phenomena.

• B.Sc. in Mathematics/Physics (1996, University of British Columbia)
• Ph.D. in Physics (2001, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
• Postdoctoral: Ohio State University (2001-2003)
• Faculty: Cornell (2003-present, promoted to Professor in 2015)

His research interests span quantum simulation of strongly correlated matter, non-equilibrium quantum dynamics, and topological states. He bridges condensed matter, nuclear physics, and high-energy physics concepts through cold atom experiments, using analytical and DMRG/cluster expansion techniques.

Recent publications emphasize quantum information science (2022), Wigner-Mott transitions (2023), and non-Abelian braiding (2012). Collaborations include Randy Hulet (Rice), Brian DeMarco (UIUC), and Jeevak Parpia (Cornell) on superfluid ³He studies.

Scientific Recognition:

• Alfred P. Sloan Fellow (2005-2007)
• American Physical Society Fellow (2014)
• Paul Award for Advising Excellence (2013)

He advises 11 graduate students (including Darren Pereira, Bhuvanesh Sundar), with research groups exploring quantum Hall systems, spin-orbit coupling, and non-equilibrium phenomena. Funding sources include NSF and DARPA OLE grants.