Jon Simon is the Joan Reinhart Professor and Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University . He leads the Simon Lab , which explores the convergence of condensed matter physics , quantum optics , and quantum information science , focusing on creating synthetic materials from light and investigating topological and strongly correlated quantum systems. His research spans constructing photonic materials in quantum circuits, studying small quantum systems with strong correlations, and applying Hamiltonian engineering to realize exotic states of matter. The lab has achieved milestones like the first Mott insulator of photons and topologically insulating circuits . Collaborative projects with the Schuster Lab leverage superconducting quantum circuits for synthetic matter studies. Jon's students include Adam Shaw (PhD, now at Stony Brook) Lavanya Taneja (PhD, now at Atom Computing) Ruichao Ma (Postdoc, now faculty at Purdue) among others. The lab's recent publications focus on cavity arrays, hybrid quantum systems, and topological photonics. Research is supported by grants and affiliations with Stanford's Department of Applied Physics and interdisciplinary institutes.
Supratik Guha is a Professor at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Senior Advisor to Argonne National Laboratory's Physical Sciences and Engineering directorate. His work bridges industrial R&D with academic and national lab research, focusing on quantum computing , semiconductor materials , and sensor networks for water and soil monitoring. Guha leads Argonne’s quantum information science strategy and serves as Faculty Director for the University of Chicago Center in Delhi. Education: PhD in Materials Science (USC, 1991), BTech in Engineering Physics (IIT Kharagpur, 1985) Research interests span multiple domains: Quantum technologies focusing on erbium-doped oxides for quantum memory and quantum interconnects Sensor networks for soil and water quality monitoring using cyberphysical systems Nanofabrication techniques including controlled spalling for heterogeneous material integration Advanced memory technologies exploring ferroelectric and optically addressable memory at atomic scales Scientific awards include: Election to National Academy of Engineering (2015) APS Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics (2015) Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellow (2018) Fellow of Materials Research Society and American Physical Society IBM Corporate Award (2013) Advising notable students like Manish Kumar Singh (co-founder memQ ), Cheng Ji (now at Intel), and Vamsi Nittala (now at Micron Technology). His group contributes to major DOE , NSF , and USDA funded projects including: Q-NEXT - DOE National Quantum Information Center AIFARMS - NSF/USDA AI for Agriculture Institute Thoreau Project - Geospatial sensor networks Labs and teams operate across University of Chicago and Argonne National Lab , with facilities for molecular beam epitaxy , nanofabrication , and optical/electrical characterization . The group has spawned startups like memQ (quantum networking) and K1 Semiconductors (wide-bandgap material transfer).
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Jean-Philippe Brantut is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Basic Sciences (SB), the Institute of Physics (IPHYS), and the School of Physics (SPH-ENS). He leads the Laboratory for Quantum Gases (LQG), a research group focused on quantum simulation with ultracold atomic systems. He also serves as a PhD program committee member for the Doctoral Program in Physics at EPFL. Research Interests: His work lies at the intersection of quantum optics, atomic physics, and condensed matter physics. He investigates strongly correlated fermionic systems, cavity quantum electrodynamics, mesoscopic physics, and quantum transport. His group pioneers the integration of Fermi gases with high-finesse optical cavities to simulate quantum devices and explore novel quantum matter. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications, appearing in Nature , Science , and Nature Physics , demonstrate a strong focus on engineering quantum many-body systems using photon-mediated interactions. Key themes include the realization of random spin models, observation of density-wave ordering, and the investigation of universal pair polaritons in strongly interacting Fermi gases. His earlier work laid foundations in quantum thermoelectricity and quantized transport in neutral matter. Scientific Awards: Latsis University Prize (2023) Physics Teaching Award at EPFL (2023) ERC Consolidator Grant (2022): Driven and Dissipative Quantum Simulators ERC Starting Grant (2016): Devices, engines and circuits: quantum engineering with cold atoms Fondation Sandoz Chair (2016) SNSF Ambizione Fellowship (2013) Advising and Grants: Brantut actively supervises multiple PhD students, including current students Gaia Bolognini, Tabea Bühler, Ekaterina Fedotova, Francesca Orsi, and Zeyang Xue, and has advised several successful graduates such as Victor Helson, Kevin Roux, Nick Sauerwein, and Timo Zwettler. His research is supported by major grants, most notably two European Research Council (ERC) grants, underscoring the significance and innovation of his work in quantum simulation and quantum engineering. Laboratories and Teams: He leads the Laboratory for Quantum Gases (LQG) at EPFL, which operates two main experimental setups: the Fermi gas experiment and the microscope experiment. The team includes post-doctoral researchers, PhD students, and visiting scientists, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing quantum science with ultracold atoms.
Ranjan Singh is a Professor at the Division of Physics, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, specializing in terahertz photonics and metamaterials. He holds an elected fellowship from OPTICA (OSA) for pioneering work in ultrafast terahertz photonics, active metamaterials, and sensors. His research focuses on hybrid THz-electronic-photonic technologies for 6G communications, topological photonics, spintronics, quantum materials, and high-Tc superconductors. Education: B.Eng. in Telecommunications (Bangalore University, 2001); M.Tech in Photonics (Cochin University, 2004); Ph.D. in Photonics (Oklahoma State University, 2009). Postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory (2009–2013). Research emphasizes on-chip THz topological photonics for next-gen communication systems, with notable achievements including a $7M grant for TERACOMM (on-chip THz topological photonics). His work integrates AI-driven beamforming, reconfigurable metasurfaces, and phase-change materials for adaptive THz systems. Key awards include the 2020 Web of Science 'Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher' distinction. His lab, TeraX Labs (founded 2013), develops cutting-edge technologies like THz brain-computer interfaces, quantum emitters, and spintronic sensors. Over $12M in competitive grants has fueled innovations in THz integrated circuits, tunable optical coatings, and ultra-sensitive biosensors. Advancing 6G/XG wireless, Singh's team designs topological beamformers, intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS), and terahertz metamaterials for multi-link systems. His work bridges theoretical physics and applied engineering, with a focus on energy-efficient, reconfigurable photonic systems.
Dmitri N. Basov is the Higgins Professor of Physics at Columbia University, with a joint appointment as Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on quantum materials, utilizing nano-optical techniques to investigate electronic phenomena and polaritonic systems. He leads the Basov Group at Columbia and has pioneered methods for imaging quantum materials at nanoscale resolutions. PhD in Physics, Lebedev Physics Institute (1991) Professor, Columbia University (2016–present) Professor, UC San Diego (2001–present) Postdoctoral Research, McMaster University (1992–1996) His work spans plasmonics , terahertz spectroscopy , and van der Waals heterostructures , with recent emphasis on polariton dynamics, superconductivity modulation, and moiré-driven electronic states. He employs cutting-edge tools like quantum scanning near-field optical microscopy (q-SNOM) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. Besides leading major grants such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Investigator award and Vannevar Bush Fellowship, Basov has received accolades like the National Academy of Sciences membership (2020), Ken Button Prize (2019), and Frank Isakson Prize (2012). His team explores novel quantum phases in 2D and topological materials.
Carlos Errando Herranz serves as an Assistant Professor in the Quantum and Computer Engineering Division at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) and as a Principal Investigator at QuTech. His research focuses on developing scalable quantum photonic integrated circuits using semiconductor fabrication processes compatible with existing infrastructure for quantum internet applications. He received Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Universitat Politècnica de València (2013) and a PhD in Micro and Nanosystems from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (2018), followed by postdoctoral positions at KTH and MIT as a Marie Curie fellow. His lab investigates quantum photonics, integrated photonics, and color centers with emphasis on diamond tin-vacancy systems and silicon-based quantum emitters. Recent publications demonstrate strong expertise in tuning quantum emitters via strain engineering, heterogeneous integration of spin-photon interfaces, and MEMS-enabled reconfigurable photonics. Key advancements include cavity-enhanced quantum memories, superconducting detector integration, and spectral control of solid-state emitters for quantum networks. Dr. Herranz advises seven graduate students including PhD candidates Vicky Dominguez Tubio, Arjan Mejas, Matteo Pirro, Christian Primavera, Jan Riegelmeyer, and Elena Volkova, along with Master student Bram Zijlstra. His team comprises postdocs Lin Jin and Pat Laferriere, and interns Elsa Herranz Valiente and Ernest Staffetti Cruañas. The Errando Herranz Lab operates within QuTech's Quantum Internet Division at Delft University, maintaining specialized facilities for nanofabrication and optical characterization of quantum photonic devices. Current research directions include developing CMOS-compatible quantum memories operating at telecom wavelengths and scalable architectures for quantum repeaters.
John Davis is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD and MSc from Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s from Washington University. His research focuses on nanomechanics, superfluidity, and superconductivity, particularly in confined geometries and quantum properties of nanomechanical systems. His lab develops superfluid-based technologies for dark matter detection and precision measurement. He has held academic positions since 2010, including roles at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and postdoctoral training at the University of Alberta with Prof. Mark R. Freeman. Education: PhD in Physics (2008), Northwestern University MSc in Physics (2003), Northwestern University Bachelor’s in Physics with Honors (2001), Washington University Research Interests: Superfluid nanomechanical resonators Ultralow-temperature superfluid 3He Nanofluidic cavity quantum electrodynamics Quantum-limited torque magnetometry Applications in dark matter detection and gravitational wave sensing His recent work emphasizes magnomechanics and optomechanical transduction , integrating superfluid systems with quantum sensors. Articles highlight advancements in cryogenic devices, nonlinear dynamics, and hybrid quantum systems. Ongoing projects include the HElium-based Light Operated Superfluid (HELIOS) dark matter detector. Grants & Labs: His lab operates a cryogen-efficient low-temperature facility, focusing on microfluidic quantum fluid experiments. Collaborations involve advanced photonic crystal cavities and diamond-based optomechanical platforms.
Farhan Rana is the Joseph P. Ripley Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University. He earned his BS, MS, and PhD from MIT and leads the Semiconductor Optoelectronics Group at Cornell, focusing on graphene, 2D materials, and semiconductor nanostructures. His research bridges experimental condensed matter physics and optoelectronic device engineering. Current Research Focus Ultrafast Spectroscopy Terahertz Microphotonics Quantum Optics Plasmonics and Nanostructures His group specializes in graphene optoelectronics , terahertz devices , and ultrafast semiconductor lasers . Recent work explores valley-dependent optical phenomena, exciton dynamics, and plasmon-phonon interactions in 2D materials. Key trends in his publications include graphene plasmonics , MoS2 photodetectors , and terahertz spectroscopy . He has contributed to foundational studies on carrier relaxation in graphene and quantum cascade lasers . 3× Michael A. Tien Excellence in Teaching Award (2006, 2010, 2017) NSF Career Award (2004) DARPA Young Faculty Investigator (2008) IEEE 'Most Downloaded Paper' (2008) MRS Best Paper Ribbon (2004) His students have received prestigious fellowships and awards, with alumni like Jared Strait (National Defense Science Fellowship) and Haining Wang (Cornell Best PhD Thesis). The group actively mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers.
Nathan Schine is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, specializing in quantum physics and quantum information science. He leads the Schine lab, which explores controlled coherent dynamics and engineered dissipation in quantum systems, particularly using optical cavities coupled to tweezer-trapped cold atoms. His research bridges atomic physics, quantum optics, and condensed matter physics. Education: B.A. in Physics, Williams College (2013) Ph.D. in Physics, University of Chicago (2019) Research interests focus on quantum many-body systems, optical cavities, and applications such as quantum information processing and ultra-coherent atomic clocks. The lab’s work includes developing state-of-the-art strontium tweezer array apparatuses for precision metrology and quantum simulation. Recent publications highlight advancements in Dicke state preparation, optical pumping of quantum Hall states, and cavity-enhanced measurements. Advising and grants involve mentoring graduate students and postbaccalaureate researchers, including Shardul Rao and Siddharth Taneja. The lab collaborates with groups like AMPED, QuICS, and RQS at UMD. Members include postdoctoral researchers and graduate students working on theoretical quantum optics and experimental setups. Labs/Teams: The Schine lab integrates atomic, optical, and condensed matter physics approaches to address fundamental and applied questions in quantum science.
Professor Shubhra Pasayat is affiliated with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds a PhD (2021) and MS (2017) from University of California, Santa Barbara, and a B.Tech (2013) from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. Research focus: MOCVD growth of III-nitrides/oxides for optoelectronics, power electronics, quantum materials, and bio-photonics Key applications: LEDs, LASERs, HEMTs, bio-photonics, and sanitization technologies Her research interests center on wide bandgap semiconductor materials, particularly group-III nitrides and oxides. She works on strain relaxation techniques using porous GaN substrates, quantum dot engineering for visible light emission, and high-voltage GaN HEMT development. Current projects include lattice engineering for improved crystal quality and thermal management in RF devices. Publications highlight advancements in ultraviolet lasers, high-electron-mobility transistors, and micro-LEDs. Her work spans fundamental material studies and device optimization for industrial applications like electric vehicles, 5G/6G communications, and horticultural lighting. 2024 Awards : NSF CAREER, ONR DEPSCoR, WARF Early Career Innovator 2022 Awards : UCSB ECE Outstanding Dissertation, JAP Best Paper She teaches ECE 235 Introduction to Solid State Electronics and mentors research at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
Nori Franco serves as Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Michigan and Chief Scientist at RIKEN's Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory in Japan. His dual appointments reflect his significant contributions to both American and Japanese academic communities, with continuous service at Michigan since 1990 and at RIKEN since 2002. His research spans quantum information, condensed matter physics, and quantum optics, with particular focus on light-matter interactions, superconducting qubits, optomechanics, and quantum open systems. Franco's work bridges theoretical foundations with experimental implementations, especially in circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum computing applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-Hermitian quantum systems, quantum control techniques, and applications of quantum information science to fundamental physics problems. His research group consistently produces highly cited work, with publications appearing in top journals across quantum physics and condensed matter disciplines. Scientific Awards: Charles Hard Townes Medal (2024) - sole recipient for fundamental contributions to quantum optics and quantum information processing Research Doctorate Honoris Causa from University of Messina (2024) Highly Cited Researcher for eight consecutive years (2017-2024) Member of Academia Europaea (2023) Willis E. Lamb Medal (2023) for quantum electronics research Throughout his career, Franco has secured significant research funding and mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers. His work has received international recognition through invitations to deliver prestigious lectures including the Stanislav Ulam Lecture and Sir Nevill Mott Lecture in 2024. His research group maintains strong collaborations across multiple continents, reflecting his global impact on quantum physics. At RIKEN, Franco leads the Quantum Information Physics Theory Research Team within the Quantum Computing Center, directing cutting-edge theoretical work that complements experimental efforts in quantum computing hardware development.
Dr. Crystal Senko is an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Trapped Ion Quantum Computing at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) , University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on quantum simulations, quantum computing with trapped ions, and qudit-based systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Maryland (2014) and a B.Sc. in Physics from Duke University (2009). Her research interests span Quantum Computing , Quantum Simulation , Trapped Ion Manipulation , and Photonics . Key projects include optimizing qudit-based quantum computing protocols and developing photonic crystal waveguides for atom-photon interactions. Recent work emphasizes trapped ion efficiency, laser noise mitigation, and programmable quantum simulators. Dr. Senko has authored influential papers on trapped ion systems, including studies on multi-level qudit control, nanophotonic cavity coupling, and non-thermalization in spin chains. Her work bridges theoretical quantum models and experimental advancements in scalable quantum hardware. Awards: Canada Research Chair (Trapped Ion Quantum Computing) Teaching: Courses include Quantum Physics 2 (PHYS 334), Quantum Mechanics 1 (PHYS 701), and Special Topics in Quantum Information Processing (PHYS 768/QIC 890). Labs/Teams: Affiliated with IQC and previously contributed to Harvard’s Center for Ultracold Atoms.
Klaus Mølmer is a Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, specializing in Quantum Optics and Photonics. His research spans quantum information, entanglement, and cavity QED, leveraging machine learning and Grover's algorithm for quantum state engineering. His recent work focuses on spin squeezing, Rydberg atom interactions, and mechanical resonator cooling. A leader in quantum simulation and superradiance, he collaborates on cavity-mediated emission and quantum network design. The 15 most recent articles highlight advancements in quantum state manipulation, entanglement protocols, and robust differential phase sensing. These studies bridge theoretical frameworks with experimental applications in cavity QED, Rydberg arrays, and zero-photon detection.
Roman Schnabel is a Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Hamburg , affiliated with the Institute for Laser Physics under the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences. He leads cutting-edge research in quantum optics, gravitational wave detection, and quantum technologies. Education : PhD in Physics (1999, Leibniz Universität Hannover); Physics degree (1988–1994, Leibniz Universität Hannover) Awards : QCMC 2018 Award, Gruber Cosmology Prize 2016 (LIGO team), Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics 2016 (LIGO team), Joseph F. Keithley Award 2012 His recent work explores high-frequency gravitational wave observatories , entanglement generation , and quantum-enhanced sensing . He holds patents for gas sensors and optical surface imaging technologies. Schnabel co-founded the start-up Noisy Labs in 2023 and served as Director of Outreach & Transfer for the Cluster of Excellence 'Quantum Universe' (2019–2022).
Eugene Demler is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics, ETH Zurich. Previously, he held academic positions at Harvard University from 1998 to 2021, including Assistant Professor (2001-2004), Associate Professor (unspecified dates), and Full Professor (2005-2021). His work bridges theoretical condensed matter physics, atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics, and quantum simulations. Education: MSc in Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1993) Diploma work, Lebedev Physics Institute (1992-1993) PhD in Theoretical Physics, Stanford University (1998), supervised by S.C. Zhang Demler's research focuses on strongly correlated quantum systems, spintronics, quantum sensing, and photo-induced phase transitions. His recent publications explore topics such as quantum polarons, Josephson plasmons, magnon dynamics, and terahertz spectroscopy in superconductors. He has pioneered hybrid quantum-classical methods for electron-phonon systems and cavity-mediated quantum materials. His Google Scholar articles (2023-2025) span theoretical and experimental domains, with keywords including Quantum Physics , Condensed Matter Physics , and Quantum Optics . Subfields include Quantum Control , Superconductivity , Spin Waves , Quantum Sensing , Non-Equilibrium Dynamics , and Quantum Simulation . Scientific Awards: Hamburg Prize for Theoretical Physics (2021) Simons Investigator (2021) Moore Distinguished Scholar (2020) Hanna Visiting Scholar (2019) Highly Cited Researcher (2017-2020) Senior Fellow at ETH Zurich's Institute for Theoretical Studies (2015) Simons Fellowship (2015) Distinguished Scholar at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (2015) Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher (2014) Siemens Research Award (2006) Johannes Gutenberg Lecture Award (2006) NSF Career Award (2002) Sloan Fellowship (2002) Demler teaches courses such as Statistical Physics and Strongly Correlated Systems in Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics . His work integrates theoretical modeling with experimental collaborations, particularly in quantum optics and condensed matter systems.
