Li Qian

Professor Li Qian is a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, where she leads experimental research in quantum photonics, quantum communication, and high-precision metrology. Her work bridges industrial innovation and academic exploration, with a focus on fiber-based quantum technologies and nonlinear optical devices.

• Education:
  • BASc (honours), 1993
  • MASc, 1996
  • PhD, 2000

Her research in quantum entanglement includes developing room-temperature, fiber-integrated entangled photon sources for future quantum networks. In quantum communication, she advances measurement-device-independent QKD and twin-field QKD to enhance security and practicality. Her high-precision sensing work uses resonator-free spectral features for applications like ultra-narrow Brillouin dips and slow light generation.

Recent publications highlight trends in quantum key distribution (QKD), machine learning for entanglement detection, and nonlinear fiber optics. Her group commercialized dispersion measurement technologies via startup Inometrix Inc.

Scientific honors include:

• Fellow, Optica (2023)
• Canada Research Chair in Photonic Technologies (2006–2012)
• Premier’s Research Excellence Award (2004)
• University of Toronto Alumni Association Early Career Award (2003)

Prof. Qian advises a diverse team of PhD and Master’s students, including Amita Gnanapandithan, Reem Mandil, and Alexander Greenwood. Her lab specializes in quantum optics, optical sensing, and telecom-integrated photonics.