Quantum mechanics is the foundation of physical sciences. It involves the study of physical systems on the scale of atomic and subatomic particles. The primary concepts of quantum science were developed in the early 20th century. Over time quantum research has evolved significantly. The quantum phenomena are the basis of modern technologies firmly associated with our everyday life.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University work in diverse fields of quantum science towards a wide range of applications. The research areas include Quantum Physics, Quantum Chemistry, Quantum Optics, Quantum Engineering, Quantum Matter and Phenomena, Philosophy, and Education. PQI offers an excellent platform to unify the diverse scientific community for promoting quantum research.
- Experimental Groups
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- Jeremy Levy focuses on the development of quantum-scale electronic materials and devices with future applications in quantum computation.
- Hrvoje Petek investigates dynamical phenomena in femtosecond time scale under quantum confinement in solid-state materials through light-matter interaction.
- David Snoke studies the fundamentals of quantum mechanics in semiconductor systems by employing a wide range of ultrafast optical methods.
- Sean Garrett-Roe focuses on the robust understanding of the structure and dynamics of complex materials using ultrafast dynamics.
- Paul Leu focuses on designing and understanding the mechanical, chemical, and electronic properties of quantum materials through computational modeling and experimental approaches.
- Ben Hunt studies quantum states of low-dimensional materials via electrical measurements and scanning tunneling microscopy.
- Elizabeth Dickey utilizes electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to measure the local structure and chemistry of materials at the atomic to nanometer length scales.
- Theory Groups
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- Vincent Liu emphasizes the theoretical physics associated with equilibrium and dynamic phenomena of interacting many body systems including quantum gases, orbital physics, superconductivity, and superfluidity.
- Roger Mong specializes in understanding fundamentals of quantum topological phases and numerical modeling of a wide range of quantum systems.
- David Pekker contributes towards addressing fundamental aspects of ultracold atoms and condensed matter physics through controlling the dynamics of quantum many-body systems.
PQI members work in multiple groups on quantum fundamentals including:
- Pitt IQ Initiative focuses on the interdisciplinary areas of common interest to quantum condensed matter, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO), and high energy physics (HEP), with members joining from traditionally disjointed backgrounds.