Nick Borys

Nick Borys is an Associate Professor and Associate Director in the Department of Physics at Montana State University's College of Letters & Science. He holds affiliations with the Materials Science program, Optical Technology Center, Montana Nanotechnology Facility, and serves as Associate Director of the NSF-funded MonArk Quantum Foundry.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, University of Utah, 2011
• M.S. in Physics, University of Utah, 2007
• B.S. in Mathematics & Computer Science, Colorado School of Mines, 2004

Borys Lab conducts experimental research at the intersection of physics, materials science, and optics, specializing in nano-optics and quantum materials. The lab investigates light-matter interactions in 2D materials (e.g., MoS₂, WSe₂) using advanced spectroscopy at nanoscale dimensions, ultrafast timescales, and cryogenic conditions to develop quantum technologies through precise control of quantum states.

His publication record (2008-2018) demonstrates expertise in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides and quantum emitters, with key contributions in exciton dynamics, charge puddle characterization, and band gap renormalization. Collaborative work with national labs has yielded high-impact publications in Nature Photonics, Nature Nanotechnology, and Science.

Research funding includes:

• EAGER: Scalable Quantum Emitters in Monolayer WSe₂ (NSF)
• Catalyzing Quantum Materials Research at MSU (MJ Murdock)
• Quantum-Dot States in 2D Materials (NSF)
• MonArk Quantum Foundry: 2D-QMaP (NSF)
• Single Photon Emitters from Nanoribbons (Columbia University)

The Borys Lab operates within the MonArk Quantum Foundry, utilizing cutting-edge tools like the NanoFrazor nanolithography system and cryostats enabling 1.9K/7T experiments. The lab actively collaborates with industry partners and national laboratories while participating in the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance outreach initiatives.