Paul Haljan

Paul Haljan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University (SFU). He leads the Haljan Group, focusing on trapped ion quantum technology and quantum information science. His research involves manipulating quantum states of ions in ultra-high vacuum systems to explore quantum phase transitions and develop quantum computing technologies. He holds a B.Sc. (Honors) from the University of Alberta and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder/JILA.

Research Interests: Ion and atom trapping, quantum phase transitions, quantum information science, and quantum computing. Current projects include studying the quantum linear-zigzag transition in trapped ions, developing 3D Sisyphus cooling techniques, and exploring macrotrap systems for charged particles.

Laboratory: Located in the SFU Burnaby campus (SCK9688), the Haljan Lab employs state-of-the-art ion trap setups and optical/microwave systems. Collaborative opportunities exist with Quantum BC and U.S. institutions.

Teaching: In Fall 2025, he teaches PHYS 255 (Vibrations and Waves) and PHYS 810 (Advanced Quantum Mechanics).

Group Members: Includes Ph.D. candidate Brendin Chow, M.Sc. students Mohammad Reza Mostaan and Meagan Stewart, and B.Eng. student Kais Rejaibi. The lab actively hires postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.