Yanbei Chen

Yanbei Chen is a Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy. He holds a B.S. from Peking University (1999) and a Ph.D. from Caltech (2003). His academic career includes roles as Visiting Associate (2005–2007), Assistant Professor (2007–2010), Associate Professor (2010–2013), and Professor since 2013. His research focuses on gravitational wave astronomy, quantum gravity, and astrophysical phenomena, with significant contributions to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) collaboration. Chen teaches advanced courses such as Computational Physics Laboratory and contributes to the development of gravitational wave detection technologies.

His work emphasizes probing fundamental physics through gravitational wave observations, including black hole spectroscopy, quantum limits in interferometry, and testing general relativity in extreme conditions. Recent research explores applications of quantum metrology to gravitational wave detectors and the interplay between quantum effects and spacetime curvature. Chen’s publications span topics like bumpy black hole spectroscopy, ultralight dark matter searches, and neutron interferometer-based detectors.