Professors Daniela Radu and Cheng-Yu Lai from the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering have built a strong research network across multiple federally funded centers to develop new materials for quantum technology.
Radu creates ultra-small quantum dots for single photon emitters. These are essential building blocks for new qubits, which are essential for quantum communication and computing. Lai designs and engineers novel quantum crystals as light converters, helping to bridge and integrate various quantum devices.
Their work addresses a central problem: Many existing materials cannot meet the strict requirements of quantum systems. Their innovations open new possibilities for quantum sensors, secure communication tools and quantum computers.
Their collaborations span NSF programs in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE); Department of War initiatives related to quantum materials and energy resiliency; and NASA projects in optical and electronic materials. Together, they are training future quantum engineers with hands-on experience in materials and device design.
