Michael Peper is a Research Fellow at Princeton University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, working in the Engineering Quadrangle under the advisement of Jeff Thompson. His research focuses on atomic and quantum physics with direct applications to quantum computing. His research interests include: Rydberg states in ytterbium and their applications for quantum computing Quantum defect analysis and precision spectroscopy Neutral atom qubit arrays and coherent control mechanisms Long-range Rydberg molecules and their dynamic properties His publications demonstrate expertise across theoretical and experimental physics, with a particular emphasis on quantum engineering and optical manipulation of atomic systems. He has contributed to advancements in attosecond spectroscopy and electron scattering dynamics in liquid water, although most of his recent work centers on quantum computing applications.
Dr. Mortaza Saeidi-Javash is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He joined in Fall 2022 following his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, where he received the Prince Engineering Fellowship and Dehner Graduate Fellowship. His research focuses on developing next-generation flexible electronics using advanced materials and 3D printing technologies, particularly thermoelectric devices for wearable applications and multifunctional sensors for structural health monitoring. Dr. Saeidi-Javash's academic background includes interdisciplinary work combining materials science, additive manufacturing, and machine learning. His Ph.D. research emphasized aerosol jet printing and ultrafast flash sintering to create high-performance, low-cost thermoelectric devices. He has published extensively in journals like Advanced Materials and Nano Energy , with a focus on flexible electronics, energy harvesting, and sensor integration. His recent publications highlight innovations in machine learning-aided materials discovery, plasma sintering processes, and hybrid printing methods. These contributions address challenges in scalable manufacturing, energy efficiency, and wearable technology applications. Dr. Saeidi-Javash’s work bridges gaps between fundamental materials research and practical engineering solutions for sustainable energy systems and smart devices. Awards: Prince Engineering Fellowship (University of Notre Dame) Dehner Graduate Fellowship in Engineering (University of Notre Dame) Advising & Office Hours: Office: ECS-647 Office Hours: Wednesday 12:00-2:00 PM Advising Hours: Thursday 12:30-1:30 PM His research lab focuses on additive manufacturing of functional materials, with ongoing projects in thermoelectric energy conversion, wearable sensors, and biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering.
Harry Atwater is the Howard Hughes Professor of Applied Physics and Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He serves as Director of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) and previously led the Light-Materials Interactions in Energy Conversion (LMI-EFRC) from 2009–2014. His research bridges photovoltaics, solar energy systems, plasmonics, and nanophotonics. Atwater pioneered the field of plasmonics and co-founded Alta Devices, a leader in GaAs photovoltaic technology. He holds over 200 publications and has been recognized with prestigious awards, including induction into the National Academy of Engineering (2015) and the ENI Prize (2012). His work spans cutting-edge innovations such as silicon wire array solar cells, metasurface technologies for optical manipulation, and space solar power systems. Current projects include developing lightsail propulsion for interstellar exploration and photothermocatalytic reactors for sustainable fuels. Atwater’s lab focuses on the intersection of nanophotonics and energy, exploring quantum emitters, carbon capture, and optomechanical systems. Research Highlights: Plasmonic light absorbers, metasurface-based imaging, and solar energy harvesting systems. Key Projects: Lightsail experiments, space-based solar power missions, and CO₂ reduction via electrochemical methods. Awards: Julius Springer Prize (2014), ISI Highly Cited Researcher (2014), and MRS Kavli Lecturer (2010).
F. Ömer Ilday is a distinguished physicist and Alexander von Humboldt Professor at Ruhr University Bochum since July 2023, holding a joint appointment in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and Faculty of Physics and Astronomy. His pioneering work in ultrafast laser technology has transformed non-linear laser-matter interactions, with applications spanning precision manufacturing, medical surgery, and nanofabrication. Education: PhD in Physics, Cornell University (2003) Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003-2005) Ilday's research centers on ultrafast laser development and materials science, focusing on GHz-repetition-rate burst-mode systems, nonlinear laser lithography, and self-organization phenomena. His interdisciplinary approach bridges photonics, plasma physics, and materials engineering to enable breakthroughs in nanostructuring, silicon processing, and laser-based manufacturing. Current work emphasizes developing high-power laser sources and exploring fundamental laser-matter interaction mechanisms for next-generation applications. His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal dominant trends in high-repetition-rate burst-mode lasers (up to 50 GHz), ablation efficiency optimization, and nonlinear laser lithography for 3D silicon structuring. These works demonstrate strong convergence between fundamental physics and industrial applications, particularly in medical surgery, nanofabrication, and materials synthesis, with increasing emphasis on self-organization principles in laser systems. Scientific awards: Turkish Academy of Sciences Outstanding Young Scientist Award (2006) Marie Curie International Reintegration Grant (2006) ERC Consolidator Grant (2014) - Turkey's first ERC Advanced Grant (2022) Election to Academia Europaea Election to Turkish Academy of Sciences Membership in Turkish and American Physical Societies Ilday has secured major competitive grants including two ERC awards and a Marie Curie fellowship, directing research teams at Bilkent University's Ultrafast Optics & Lasers Laboratory (UFOLAB) which developed technologies adopted globally. At RUB, he is establishing the Center for Complex Laser-Matter Interactions as an interdisciplinary hub fostering collaborations between photonics, plasma research, and materials science, with explicit goals for spin-off company formation and transdisciplinary innovation in manufacturing technologies. As founding director of UFOLAB at Bilkent University, Ilday developed laser systems deployed by research institutions worldwide and established Turkey's first laser company. His RUB center integrates electrical engineering and physics expertise to advance complex laser-matter interaction research, focusing on self-organizing laser systems, nanostructuring techniques, and applications in semiconductor manufacturing and medical technology through close industry partnerships.
Prof. Dr. Ioachim Pupeza serves as Group Leader in the Department of Spectroscopy/Imaging at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT) in Jena, Germany. His research focuses on advanced optical measurement techniques, particularly in the field of field-resolved spectroscopy and precision optical measurements. Dr. Pupeza's research interests center around optical spectroscopy with a particular emphasis on field-resolved techniques that capture the complete electric field waveform of light-matter interactions. His work spans infrared spectroscopy , molecular fingerprinting , ultrafast laser technology , and precision optical measurements . He has made significant contributions to electro-optic sampling techniques, which enable characterization of electric-field waveforms across the terahertz to visible spectral range. His research also extends to mid-infrared light generation , terahertz spintronic emitters , and cavity-enhanced spectroscopy , with applications ranging from fundamental physics to medical diagnostics. Analysis of Dr. Pupeza's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward increasingly sophisticated field-resolved spectroscopy techniques with applications in both fundamental science and practical diagnostics. His work has evolved from basic measurement techniques to applications in cancer detection through molecular fingerprinting of biofluids. A consistent theme across his publications is the pursuit of higher precision, broader bandwidth, and improved sensitivity in optical measurements, often achieving attosecond-level precision. His research bridges physics, engineering, and medical applications, demonstrating how fundamental optical advances can translate to real-world diagnostic tools. Dr. Pupeza leads the research group "Field-Resolved Optical Precision Measurement Methods" at Leibniz-IPHT, which appears to collaborate extensively with other research institutions and groups. His work involves sophisticated laser systems including high-power Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillators, femtosecond enhancement cavities, and dual-oscillator systems for precision measurements. The group's research has implications for molecular spectroscopy, medical diagnostics, and fundamental studies of light-matter interactions at the most fundamental time scales.
Lukas Seitner is a researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the School of Computation, Information and Technology and the Department of Electrical Engineering. He operates within the Associate Professorship of Computational Photonics led by Prof. Christian Jirauschek, focusing on advanced modeling of quantum cascade devices and terahertz photonics systems. His research spans quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), terahertz frequency combs, optical solitons, and computational photonics. Seitner has developed sophisticated simulation frameworks including Maxwell-Bloch and density matrix approaches to study nonlinear dynamics in optoelectronic devices. Key contributions involve passive mode-locking mechanisms in THz QCLs, graphene-integrated saturable absorbers for pulse generation, and backscattering effects in ring-cavity soliton formation. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical device engineering for next-generation terahertz sources. As an educator, Seitner serves as assistant lecturer for multiple courses including Computational Photonics Laboratory (5 PR), Partial Differential Equations for Electrical Engineering (4 VI), and Simulation of Quantum Devices (4 VI). He actively participates in doctoral candidate seminars and specialized courses on quantum engineering, demonstrating strong commitment to academic training in photonics and quantum device physics. His teaching integrates cutting-edge research concepts into practical computational exercises. Seitner maintains active collaboration within the EU Project QOMBS and contributes to TUM's Computational Photonics group research infrastructure. His technical expertise encompasses numerical methods for partial differential equations, semiconductor device simulation, and nonlinear optical modeling. Current projects focus on optimizing THz comb sources for spectroscopic applications and extending quantum walk models for novel frequency comb generation mechanisms.
Hari Nair is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University, part of the College of Engineering. His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of complex oxide thin films using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), with applications in power electronics, quantum materials, and optoelectronics. B.Tech. in Engineering Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 2006 M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2008 Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2013 His research interests lie at the intersection of semiconductor physics, materials synthesis, and advanced functional materials. He specializes in epitaxial strain engineering, heterostructure design, and the control of electronic and magnetic properties in oxide thin films. His vision is to leverage novel materials to enable revolutionary advances in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on β-Ga₂O₃ for high-power devices and ruthenate-based quantum materials such as Sr₂RuO₄ and SrRuO₃. His work spans ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors, strain-engineered phase transitions, superconductivity, and spin-orbit phenomena. Techniques include MBE growth, THz spectroscopy, and advanced electron microscopy. Notable scientific awards include: Student Paper Award, Device Research Conference (DRC), 2013 The Ben Streetman Prize for Outstanding Research in Electronic and Photonic Materials and Devices, 2013 Student Paper Award, Electronics Materials Conference (EMC), 2012 Hari Nair has advised several graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed in the provided text. His work has been supported by grants from federal agencies and institutional programs focused on advanced materials and quantum science. He is actively involved in collaborative research through centers and labs at Cornell, particularly those related to materials synthesis and characterization. He leads a research group focused on the growth and study of epitaxial thin films, working closely with the D.G. Schlom group and other collaborators in the Kavli Institute at Cornell. His lab utilizes state-of-the-art MBE systems and advanced characterization tools for probing electronic, magnetic, and structural properties at the nanoscale.
Prof. Dr. Michael Horn-von Hoegen is a full professor in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Duisburg-Essen , Germany. His research focuses on ultrafast structural dynamics , surface physics , and 2D materials , particularly using electron diffraction and plasmonic imaging techniques. He leads the Horn-von Hoegen Group , which plays a central role in the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1242 Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Condensed Matter in the Time Domain , where his team investigates driven phase transitions and phonon systems with sub-femtosecond temporal resolution. Location: Office Window MF260, Faculty of Physics, Lotharstr. 1-21, 47057 Duisburg Contact: Tel. +49 (203) 379 1439 | Fax +49 (203) 379 1555 His research spans ultrafast electron diffraction of photo-induced phase transitions in atomic wires and topological materials , with recent breakthroughs on Kibble-Zurek dynamics in the Si(001) surface and chiral plasmon polaritons . The group’s 15 most recent publications (2025-2022) address phenomena such as negative thermal expansion in 2D materials , electron-phonon coupling in Pb/Si heterostructures , and quantum pathway analysis in Bismuth films . These works are categorized under disciplines like Condensed Matter Physics , Nanooptics , and Ultrafast Dynamics , with subfields including Ising Model Transitions , Plasmon Focusing , and Time-Resolved Diffraction . Prof. Horn-von Hoegen serves as DFG Liaison Officer for the University of Duisburg-Essen, providing guidance on Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) proposals . His group has mentored notable researchers including Dr. Simon Sindermann (postdoc at IBM), Dr. Anja Hanisch-Blicharski (Leopoldina Fellow), Dr. Hichem Hattab (Leopoldina Fellowship), and Dr. Marin Petrovic (Humboldt Fellow). The group’s laboratory facilities include advanced ultrafast electron diffraction and photoemission microscopy systems, enabling studies of atomic-scale processes such as molecular dynamics simulations of laser-excited surfaces and domain wall motion in Si(553)-Au systems .
Dr. David Ayuso is a researcher at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy in Berlin, Germany, associated with the Strongfield Theory Group. His work focuses on ultrafast phenomena in chiral molecules, attosecond physics, and nonlinear optics. He contributes to understanding electronic and nuclear dynamics under extreme light-matter interactions. Research interests include photoionization dynamics, chiral sensitivity detection, and the development of synthetic chiral light techniques for molecular imaging. His recent studies explore geometric magnetism effects, polarization control, and enantio-selective observables in ultrafast spectroscopy. Key collaborations involve international teams working on high harmonic generation, X-ray scattering in liquids, and theoretical modeling of chiral systems. His publications frequently appear in Science Advances , Nature Photonics , and Optics Express .
Jun Xiao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison since August 2021. He holds additional affiliations with the Physics and Electrical & Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on quantum materials, light-matter interactions, and terahertz optoelectronics. Ph.D. in Applied Science and Technology from UC Berkeley (2018) Postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Bachelor's degree in Physics from Nanjing University Research interests include structure-property relationships in quantum materials, ultrafast optical engineering, and THz device development. His lab explores non-equilibrium phase transitions, quantum collective excitations, and photocarrier dynamics for energy and computing applications. Recent publications emphasize topological semimetals for THz sensing, stacking order engineering in 2D materials, and spin-mechanical coupling in antiferromagnets. His group integrates ultrafast lasers, quantum transport measurements, and in-situ strain control to study ferroelectricity, magnetism, and electron correlations. Scientific awards include Nature Communications Editor's Suggestion (2018) Nature Nanotechnology publication (2015) Jun Xiao's lab operates 2D material preparation and multimodal characterization facilities, including ultrafast laser systems, CW light sources, and cryogenic strain cells. He teaches courses on quantum materials and device physics, including MS&E 803 and MS&E 456.
Prof. Ady Arie is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Tel Aviv University, where he serves as the Head of the Tel Aviv University Center for Light-Matter Interaction and holds the Marko and Lucie Chaoul Chair in Nano-Photonics. He has been a faculty member at the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering since 1993, previously serving as Head of the School of Electrical Engineering (2013-2017) and Vice Dean of Research (2011-2013). His educational background includes: B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1983) M.Sc. in Physics from Tel-Aviv University (1986) Ph.D. in Engineering from Tel-Aviv University (1992) Prof. Arie's research spans multiple frontiers of optics and photonics. His work in nonlinear optics focuses on advanced frequency conversion techniques and shaping of light parameters using nonlinear photonic crystals. In quantum optics , he develops quantum light sources based on spontaneous parametric down conversion and explores applications in quantum sensing and communication. His plasmonics research investigates manipulation of surface plasmon polaritons on metal surfaces. In electron optics , he studies electron-matter-light interactions and techniques for sculpting electron wave functions. His lab also explores hydrodynamics through quantum simulations with water waves, creating analogies to quantum mechanical phenomena. Analysis of Prof. Arie's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on quantum technologies, particularly in quantum light generation, quantum sensing, and quantum information processing. His work increasingly integrates concepts from nonlinear optics, electron microscopy, and quantum physics, with growing emphasis on practical applications in quantum communication and computation. The research shows sophisticated manipulation of light-matter interactions across multiple platforms including nonlinear photonic crystals, plasmonic structures, and electron beams. Prof. Arie has received significant recognition for his work: Kadar Foundation Award for Excellence in Research (2016) Fellow of the Optical Society of America Editorial roles including Topical Editor of Optics Letters (2008-2014) and Associate Editor of Optica (since 2018) Prof. Arie leads the Nonlinear Optics and Wave Propagation Laboratory at Tel Aviv University, where his team investigates diverse wave phenomena from light frequency conversion to electron beam manipulation. He has served as chair of the national steering committee of the Israeli Planning and Budgeting Committee on Quantum Science and Technology. His research has been supported by various grants enabling the development of novel optical technologies and quantum systems. While specific grant details aren't provided in the text, his extensive publication record and leadership positions suggest substantial research funding. Prof. Arie's laboratory focuses on the intersection of classical and quantum wave phenomena. The lab investigates light manipulation through nonlinear optical processes, plasmonic structures, and electron microscopy techniques. Current research directions include quantum light generation, electron-photon interactions, and hydrodynamic analogs to quantum systems. The lab appears well-equipped for advanced optical experimentation with capabilities spanning visible to infrared wavelengths, nonlinear crystal engineering, and electron beam characterization.
Jongseok Lim is an Advanced Research Fellow in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on ultracold molecular physics and quantum optics, with applications in quantum science and precision measurement of fundamental symmetries. Lim is associated with the Quantum Engineering and Technology Hub, the Quantum Optics and Laser Science Group, and the Centre for Cold Matter. His work explores cutting-edge topics such as laser cooling of molecules, atom interferometry, and quantum control techniques. Lim’s studies often intersect with experimental quantum technologies, aiming to advance fundamental physics understanding and precision measurement capabilities. Key research areas include quantum computing systems, Berry-phase quantum gates, and novel approaches to measuring the electron’s electric dipole moment. His group develops advanced spectroscopic methods and cryogenic systems for manipulating ultracold molecules. Lim’s publications (2008–2025) demonstrate expertise in ultracold physics, quantum optics, and precision measurement, with a focus on experimental techniques and their applications to fundamental physics problems.
Herb Winful is a Professor of Optics at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He specializes in nonlinear optics, laser physics, quantum tunneling , and photonics , with a focus on phenomena like superluminal group velocities, frequency comb generation, and light storage via stimulated Brillouin scattering. Research areas span quantum tunneling times , nonlinear photonic materials , and coherent beam combining in fiber laser arrays. His work includes frequency comb spectroscopy using quantum-well diode lasers, ultrafast erbium fiber lasers , and negative group delay engineering in birefringent waveguides. The article list reveals expertise in supercontinuum generation , evanescent wave dynamics , photonic crystals , and nonlinear pulse manipulation . Key subfields include stimulated Brillouin/Raman scattering , parabolic similaritons , and time-domain modeling of optical systems. Award-winning scientific contributions include resolving the Hartman effect paradox and optimizing fiber laser arrays for high-power applications. His research bridges theoretical insights with practical innovations in optical engineering and quantum optics .
Paul Repgen is a Researcher in the Department of Nonlinearity Engineering at Ruhr University Bochum's Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. His research focuses on ultrafast laser systems, fiber optics, and nonlinear amplification techniques, with a particular emphasis on high-repetition-rate pulse generation and environmental stability of laser systems. He collaborates closely with Prof. Dr. Ömer Ilday and contributes to advancing applications in industrial laser technology and photonics. His work integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to optimize laser performance, including harmonic mode-locking mechanisms and pulse stabilization strategies inspired by Brownian particle dynamics. Key contributions include record GHz repetition rate systems in burst mode and high-energy pulse generation through controlled Kerr nonlinearity. Paul Repgen's research has led to innovations in all-fiber laser oscillators, Mamyshev-based regenerators, and thulium-doped fiber systems, demonstrating exceptional stability and power scalability. His articles reflect a strong focus on advancing ultrafast laser technology for applications in materials processing, telecommunications, and fundamental optics research.
You Zhou is an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland, leading an experimental quantum materials research group. His work focuses on fundamental properties of quantum materials for next-generation information and energy technologies. Dr. Zhou's research centers on quantum phenomena in 2D semiconductors and correlated materials. His group investigates exciton physics in atomically thin heterostructures, metal-insulator transitions in correlated oxides, and emergent quantum phases like Wigner crystals. Key research areas include: Quantum-confined excitons in moiré superlattices Optical properties of 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures Neuromorphic computing using correlated electron systems Thermal radiation engineering in quantum materials His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong emphasis on quantum phase transitions in 2D materials, particularly exciton physics in twisted bilayers and Wigner crystal formation. The work demonstrates sophisticated control of quantum states through electrostatic gating, optical excitation, and heterostructure engineering, with applications spanning quantum computing, optoelectronics, and energy technologies. Notable scientific awards include: 2DM Young Scientist Award (2024) DOE Early Career Award (2022) NSF CAREER award (2021) IUPAP Early Career Prize (2023) Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Award (2023) Dr. Zhou actively mentors graduate students including Liuxin Gu (Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellow). His research is supported by major grants from the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation. The group maintains strong collaborations with Harvard (Kim and Lukin groups), MIT, and national laboratories. Current openings exist for postdoctoral researchers to explore quantum materials synthesis, nano-fabrication, and optical characterization. The experimental group develops advanced techniques for probing quantum phenomena, including nanoscale thermal imaging, ultrafast optical spectroscopy, and cryogenic quantum transport measurements. Their facilities enable atomic-scale manipulation of 2D materials and correlated oxides for next-generation device applications.
