quantum engineering

Matt Eichenfield named inaugural Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair of Quantum Engineering

Charles Ferrer — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 21:17:12 +0000

Matt Eichenfield named inaugural Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair of Quantum Engineering Charles Ferrer Thu, 09/25/2025 - 15:17

Charles Ferrer

Award-winning physicist Matt Eichenfield has been named the inaugural Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair of Quantum Engineering in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at ��ɫ��Ƶ.

A recognized leader in ultra-scalable photonics, nano-optomechanics and phononics, Eichenfield’s career spans academia and government. He is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of quantum science and technology, as well as classical optical and RF systems.

“��ɫ��Ƶ is where you can assemble a team of the world’s leading experts across physics, engineering and beyond to go after really audacious goals in quantum,” Eichenfield said. “The quantum ecosystem at ��ɫ��Ƶ and Colorado is unmatched, and I’m excited to collaborate with researchers and companies who are already leading the way in quantum technologies that will impact the world.”

The endowed chair honors the career of Professor Emeritus Karl Gustafson, whose belief in multidisciplinary research anticipated the kinds of breakthroughs that now define quantum engineering.

“The Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair represents both a legacy and a vision to tackle the world’s most complex challenges,” said Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. “Matt Eichenfield is an extraordinary scholar and mentor who will further strengthen our leadership in quantum engineering, and we are thrilled to welcome him to CU Engineering.”

Eichenfield most recently worked at the University of Arizona’s Wyant College of Optical Sciences, where he held the International Society for Optics and Photonics Endowed Chair and was the co-director of the Center for Quantum Networks — a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center.

He holds a joint appointment at Sandia National Laboratories, recognizing his research and leadership at a federal lab whose mission includes state-of-the-art solutions for national security. At Sandia, he founded and led the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems–Enabled Quantum Systems group, pioneering approaches that combine advanced micro- and nano-fabrication with quantum engineering. His work has enabled devices that push the boundaries of both classical and quantum technologies.

This perspective, working within national lab facilities while mentoring students, remains central to his vision for ��ɫ��Ƶ.

“My experience in fabricating myriad nanotechnologies for classical and quantum applications gives me a unique perspective on how to engineer leading quantum systems,” he said. “I’m excited to share this with undergraduate and graduate students, teaching them how to build quantum devices and preparing them to go into the quantum industry.”

Quantum Nanophoxonics Laboratory led by Eichenfield.

Shaping the next generation of quantum scientists

Eichenfield emphasizes giving students access to the real-world challenges and partnerships that define the fast-growing quantum sector.

“Coming to ��ɫ��Ƶ means you’ll get to work with world-class faculty, along with companies revolutionizing quantum computing,” Eichenfield said. “My research group also gets to work alongside Sandia scientists who are pursuing quantum solutions vital to the U.S. economy and national security.”

His advice to students is simple but bold: Seek out the hardest problems.

“You should work on the most challenging engineering or scientific challenges you can find,” he said. “Those are the most exciting and rewarding problems to tackle and because of that they draw the best and the brightest who have to leverage the very limits of science and engineering to solve those problems. There’s no more difficult and exciting field right now than quantum computing and quantum sensing.”

A career shaped by discovery

Eichenfield’s path into physics and quantum engineering began in high school, where an inspiring physics teacher sparked his interest in science. As an undergraduate at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, he immersed himself in laboratory work, eventually joining the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory project at the California Institute of Technology as a summer and then year-round intern.

He stayed on at Caltech for graduate school in physics, where he studied nanoscale photonic and phononic systems. His work centered on building devices sensitive enough to detect the tiniest possible vibrations allowed by quantum mechanics.

He explains the concept with a tuning fork analogy: Strike it and you hear vibrations. Strike it softer and softer and eventually the sound disappears. But quantum mechanics tells us that even when no energy is added, a tiny motion still remains — quantum ground-state fluctuations.

“The devices I built for my PhD were the first that could actually detect those ground-state fluctuations,” Eichenfield said. “It was both my intro to quantum science and a lesson in how engineering at the nanoscale can reveal phenomena that nothing else has ever been able to observe.”

After completing his PhD, he became the first Kavli Nanoscience Prize Postdoctoral Fellow at Caltech before joining Sandia as a Harry S. Truman Fellow.

Eichenfield — who holds 22 patents — continues to build on research and innovation. His group is developing piezoelectric optomechanical photonic circuits for quantum computers that use ions and neutral atoms as qubits, as well as novel infrared detectors with applications in spectroscopy, imaging and sensing.

Quantum’s global future

��ɫ��Ƶ is leading a first-of-its-kind National Quantum Nanofab (NQN) facility that will provide researchers from universities, government and industry with the tools to fabricate and test innovative quantum devices. Eichenfield hopes to forge those collaborations through the NQN.

"Our legacy in scientific leadership has driven global progress in quantum science for decades,” said Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation. “With initiatives like our CUbit Quantum Initiative and the Colorado Quantum Incubator, ��ɫ��Ƶ is at the forefront of the development of quantum technologies, through the advances of our own faculty, as well as increased collaboration with the regional and national quantum communities. The promise of quantum technologies is going to be realized in the foreseeable future."

Eichenfield points to the so-called traveling salesman problem and other optimization problems, such as airline scheduling, global shipping logistics and supply chain management, that quantum computers could solve exponentially faster than classical computers. Quantum computing also can innovate new drug discovery, enabling researchers to simulate molecular interactions at a level of complexity that classical computers cannot achieve.

“Quantum computing will impact the lives of everyone on the planet in ways we can’t even imagine yet,” Eichenfield said. “Society has a lot to gain, and ��ɫ��Ƶ is at the forefront of making that future possible.”

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14er science: Quantum physicists measure whether time moves faster on a mountaintop

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:47:30 +0000

14er science: Quantum physicists measure whether time moves faster on a mountaintop Charles Ferrer Wed, 09/24/2025 - 09:47

Researchers from ��ɫ��Ƶ are tackling one of the biggest challenges in quantum today: after years of scientific advancement, can we take quantum technology out of the lab and into the real and unforgiving world?

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Andras Gyenis receives CAREER award to develop next-generation quantum processors

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:03:47 +0000

Andras Gyenis receives CAREER award to develop next-generation quantum processors Charles Ferrer Wed, 06/25/2025 - 10:03

Charles Ferrer

Andras Gyenis (Photo Credit: Jesse Petersen)

Quantum computing holds the promise to revolutionize how we solve complex problems, but today’s devices still face steep challenges. At the heart of the issue lies reliability: current quantum bits—or qubits—are extremely sensitive to environmental noise and prone to errors.

Andras Gyenis is taking a bold step to change that. Gyenis, an assistant professor in ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, has received a prestigious five-year, $550,000 National Science Foundation CAREER award to design and build more robust superconducting qubits that could push the boundaries of quantum hardware.

Gyenis’ research focuses on superconducting Fourier qubits, a new type of quantum bit engineered to resist information loss by redundantly encoding quantum information.

Unlike conventional superconducting qubits—used by major companies like Google, IBM and Amazon—which are often vulnerable to noise, Fourier qubits are designed to suppress quantum errors at the hardware level.

“We’re using a strategy inspired by classical computing, where bits are protected from errors through smart design,” Gyenis said. “By protecting the qubit itself, we can reduce the amount of correction needed later and create more scalable systems.”

These Fourier quantum states allow qubits to store their 0 and 1 states in physically separate locations, making it less likely for environmental disturbances to accidentally flip their values. It’s an approach that combines fundamental physics with practical engineering and it may pave the way for longer-lasting, more reliable quantum processors.

Building better qubits from the ground up

The project will proceed through a combination of design, simulation, fabrication and testing. Gyenis and his team will explore novel circuit designs using numerical tools, fabricate quantum chips at ��ɫ��Ƶ’s NSF-supported National Quantum Nanofab facility and perform measurements at ultra-low temperatures—just a fraction above absolute zero.

“We’ll likely go through many iterations,” Gyenis said. “We’re taking a co-design approach: each round of measurements feeds back into the design to improve performance step by step.”

The team will also investigate active Fourier qubits—circuits whose error protection comes from oscillating external parameters. The long-term goal is to demonstrate scalable quantum hardware with built-in robustness, forming a foundation for future superconducting quantum processors.

Training the next generation of quantum engineers

In addition to cutting-edge research, Gyenis’ award supports a comprehensive education and outreach program aimed at expanding quantum engineering at ��ɫ��Ƶ. That includes developing new classes and connecting students to hands-on projects in quantum circuit design and fabrication.

“Quantum education has historically focused on physics students, but today’s challenges require an engineering mindset too,” Gyenis said. “We need to train students not just in quantum theory, but in the real-world design of quantum systems.”

His curriculum will emphasize engineering principles like device layout, signal control, nanofabrication and systems integration. Students will also explore classical analogs of Fourier qubits—mechanical systems that mimic quantum behavior—to build intuition and bridge gaps between disciplines.

A future powered by quantum solutions

While still an emerging field, quantum computing has potential applications that span far beyond science labs. With more robust hardware, these systems could one day help researchers simulate complex molecules for drug development, improve climate models, enable artificial photosynthesis and solve key challenges in cybersecurity and logistics.

“The work we’re doing could benefit fields as varied as healthcare, energy and national security,” Gyenis said. “But just as important, it will help grow a quantum-ready workforce.”

“I’m excited to pursue research that pushes the frontier of quantum hardware, while helping to build a strong quantum engineering program,” he said. “This award allows us to do both—and to do it in a way that’s accessible for the next generation of engineers.”

Andras Gyenis, assistant professor of electrical engineering, has earned a CAREER award through the National Science Foundation to design and build more robust superconducting qubits that could push the boundaries of quantum hardware.

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Quantum technique could transform remote sensing, infrastructure monitoring

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 19:14:11 +0000

Quantum technique could transform remote sensing, infrastructure monitoring Charles Ferrer Wed, 04/16/2025 - 13:14

Charles Ferrer

A team of ��ɫ��Ƶ researchers has introduced a quantum sensing technique that could lead to improvements in how we monitor infrastructure, detect changes in the environment and conduct geophysical studies.

Led by Juliet Gopinath, Alfred T. and Betty E. Look Endowed Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, and physics doctoral student Gregory Krueper, the team used a quantum mechanics technique known as cascaded phase sensing, which enables a single sensor to measure multiple variables with extraordinary precision.

Current sensors typically measure temperature, strain or vibrations at a single point, limiting their effectiveness for large-scale monitoring. The new technique published in Physical Review A employs pulses of “squeezed” light—a quantum state that reduces measurement uncertainty beyond classical limits—to collect data from multiple locations along a single optical path.

A new era of sensing technology

Graduate students Sara Moore and Greg Krueper with Professor Juliet Gopinath.

The team’s breakthrough stems from an unexpected challenge.

Optical fiber sensors, which are widely used for monitoring infrastructure and environmental changes, often lose more than 99% of their original probe light, making it seem impossible to integrate quantum techniques. However, Gopinath and the research group found inspiration in two key sources.

“Gravitational wave detectors have successfully used quantum-enhanced light to improve their sensitivity,” Krueper said. “At the same time, recent advancement in classical fiber sensing introduced a method to divide the fiber into separate regions with embedded reflectors. By combining these ideas, and by collecting both reflected and transmitted light, we were able to make a distributed fiber quantum sensor.”

Their approach sends a series of quantum-enhanced light pulses through an optical fiber, using strategically placed reflectors to divide the fiber into distinct measurement zones.

Unlike traditional sensors that measure only one variable at a time, this method allows a single fiber to simultaneously capture precise data from multiple locations.

“By leveraging quantum mechanics, our method enables simultaneous, high-precision measurements at different points along a single sensor,” Gopinath said. “This could greatly improve applications like infrastructure integrity monitoring and environmental sensing.”

While the results are promising, a major hurdle remains: the quantum light source.

Current setups are large and costly. The next step for their research is to develop a portable, chip-based version of the light source, similar to the photonic technology found in modern smartphones. This advancement would pave the way for practical quantum sensors that can be used in the field.

Applications in environmental, geophysical sensing and infrastructure monitoring

Monitoring infrastructure—such as bridges, tunnels and pipelines—currently relies on traditional sensors placed at specific points to track structural health. These methods can be limited in scope and fail to provide a real-time, comprehensive view of an entire structure.

Cascaded phase sensing, as this project explored, addressed this gap by allowing a single optical fiber-based sensor to monitor multiple locations along its length with extreme precision. This continuous, high-resolution data collection could detect tiny vibrations or structural instabilities in real time.

Such advancements would allow engineers to proactively address maintenance needs, prevent failures and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure, ultimately improving public safety and reducing costs.

The technique also has implications for environmental monitoring and geophysical studies. By placing sensors in natural settings, researchers could track subtle changes in temperature, pressure or seismic activity with unprecedented accuracy. This could improve early detection of earthquakes, monitor groundwater movement or study underground structures without invasive drilling.

According to Gopinath, this work represents a new paradigm for quantum sensing that could start an entire field of study.

“Many practical opportunities present themselves, ranging from neuroscience to seismic studies to energy infrastructure,” Gopinath said. “The work can provide a powerful method for sensitive remote sensing using quantum light and optical fibers.”

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Combes seeks to transform the quantum technology landscape

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 22:30:15 +0000

Combes seeks to transform the quantum technology landscape Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 06/21/2023 - 16:30

Charles Ferrer

Josh Combes

Quantum technology will open new capabilities in computing, networking and sensing. However, quantum computers that exist today have yet to live up to their full potential.

Assistant Professor Josh Combes is taking the challenge of quantum computing to the next level. Combes, who is based in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, recently earned a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to further his quantum research and foster the next generation of quantum-aware engineers across disciplines.

Through the CAREER Award, Combes seeks to design qubits — a basic unit of information in quantum computing — that are significantly more reliable than those used today. He calls them second-generation qubits.

While progress has been made on reducing qubit errors, first-generation qubits are designed to perform just below the required error rates.

“There's a huge difference between when the Wright Brothers flew their plane and now when you hop on a Boeing 747. There’s now several generations of aircraft, and the Wright Brothers could be compared to being the prototype of first-generation qubits in quantum,” said Combes.

He also used the example of early computers, which suffered from unreliable components. Over time, technologies such as the transistors have made computers smaller and, more importantly, reliable and faster.

“Second-generation qubits are built very intentionally to be protected against errors and computational noise. To build quantum technology that includes quantum computers, sensors and networks, we need to devise ways to eliminate or protect against those errors,” Combes said.

The development of these low-error, second-generational qubits could accelerate the large-scale superconducting quantum computers’ timeline. Quantum, which requires these large-scale computers, is pushing the boundaries in e-commerce, communications, GPS navigation and national security.

Combes is also committed to building a robust national quantum workforce. Universities around the world are struggling to meet the increased industry demands, which require ample quantum training. To that end, Combes designed a new quantum engineering (QE) minor to help STEM students outside of physics become proficient in quantum.

Quantum technology has traditionally been centered around the work from theoretical and experimental physicists, computer scientists and mathematicians. To create a quantum community, the field will need to draw its expertise across different disciplines.

“We're starting to see people from other fields coming in and making contributions,” said Combes. “We’re seeing electrical engineers, mechanical engineers and chemical engineers starting to make quantum technology, so it’s becoming a more multidisciplinary field.”

CAREER Awards provide approximately $500,000 over five years for junior faculty members “who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.” Seven faculty members within the College of Engineering and Applied Science have received CAREER Awards from the National Science Foundation in 2023.

“What excites me is how this will impact our graduate students through funding and their ability to work on these ideas for broader impact. That’s the real meaning of earning this CAREER Award.”

Assistant Professor Josh Combes of the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering will use a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to further quantum research and foster the next generation of quantum-aware engineers across disciplines.

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New $15M NASA grant will support quantum sensors in space

Anonymous — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 19:45:54 +0000

New $15M NASA grant will support quantum sensors in space Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/16/2023 - 13:45

Assistant Professor Marco Nicotra and ECEE-affiliated Professor Dana Anderson are part of multi-university research team looking to improve measurement of important climate factors by observing atoms in outer space.

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Diddams earns Optica Mees Medal for boundary-breaking optics innovations

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 20:29:28 +0000

Diddams earns Optica Mees Medal for boundary-breaking optics innovations Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/01/2023 - 13:29

Researcher's pioneering innovations have led to wide-ranging application of optical frequency combs to ultrafast lasers, optical clocks, spectroscopy, microwave synthesis, and astronomy.

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Gopinath group advances quantum sensing with a new model in optical fibers

Anonymous — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 14:17:13 +0000

Gopinath group advances quantum sensing with a new model in optical fibers Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 11/02/2022 - 08:17

Research into quantum engineering may provide a number of significant advancements in sensor technology, but optical loss and signal noise have – until recently – held these applications back.

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QEI Collaboration Lab opening to foster high-impact research in quantum engineering

Anonymous — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:35:34 +0000

QEI Collaboration Lab opening to foster high-impact research in quantum engineering Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 10/12/2022 - 12:35

Collaborators will conduct research into quantum computing, optical clocks, quantum sensors and networks, hybrid quantum systems and more, according to Robert H. Davis Endowed Chair in Discovery Learning Scott Diddams.

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April 14 is World Quantum Day: Here’s why you should care

Anonymous — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 20:56:24 +0000

April 14 is World Quantum Day: Here’s why you should care Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/14/2022 - 14:56

Graduate student Gregory Krueper shares thoughts on what the future holds for quantum physics and how quantum discoveries have already fueled the modern, digital age.

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