Pankaj K. Jha

Pankaj K. Jha serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science within the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University. He leads the Quantum Technology Laboratory (QuTechLab) where his interdisciplinary research spans quantum optics and photonics, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, cryogenics, 2D materials synthesis and characterization, nanofabrication, and machine learning.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Physics from Texas A&M University
• Masters of Science (5-Year Integrated) in Physics from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK)

Professor Jha's research focuses on developing quantum hardware using two-dimensional materials and heterostructures, III-V semiconductors, nanostructures, soft-materials, metamaterials, and hybrid combinations. His work seeks to understand fundamental characteristics of these systems through combined experimental, theoretical, and computational studies to develop transformative devices for quantum information science, quantum sensing, nanophotonics, optoelectronics, and space exploration applications. His interdisciplinary approach merges applied physics with electrical engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward practical quantum device development, particularly in quantum sensing using 2D materials and high-temperature superconductors. He has made significant contributions to quantum emitter positioning, plasmonics, and quantum interference phenomena using metasurfaces, with increasing focus on practical applications in photon detection and quantum information processing.

His notable scientific achievements include:

• Tingye Li Innovation Prize for Early Career Professionals (Finalist, 2016)
• American Physical Society Travel Grant (2011)
• Herman F. Heep and Minnie Belle Heep Foundation Graduate Fellowship (2010)
• Robert A. Welch Foundation Graduate Fellowship (2009-2012)
• Multiple recent grants from NSF, AFRL, and DARPA for quantum technology development

Professor Jha actively mentors students in quantum technology research, including graduate student Jagi Rout. His research is generously funded by prestigious organizations including Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), National Science Foundation (NSF), New York State, and Google. His current NSF-funded project focuses on developing single-photon detectors using iron-based superconductors that can operate at higher temperatures, supporting the goals of the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

The Quantum Technology Laboratory he leads maintains state-of-the-art facilities for quantum research with recent expansions funded by multiple federal grants. His lab actively collaborates with institutions including Caltech and the US Air Force Institute of Technology, as evidenced by his recent invited talk at AFIT on '2D Materials and Heterostructures for Quantum Technologies.'