Mastering the quantum frontier

Unveiling the intricacies of quantum systems with Mikhail Lukin

Winner Interview 2023: Physical Sciences

Embark on a journey into the quantum realm with Mikhail Lukin, a distinguished physicist hailing from Harvard University. As the Joshua and Beth Friedman University Professor, Lukin is a pioneer in quantum optics and quantum information science. His research, dedicated to deciphering the intricate dance of quantum systems, holds the promise of unlocking new scientific revelations and revolutionary applications. Join us in exploring Lukin's unwavering quest to push the boundaries of complex quantum control, paving the way for a future where quantum technologies reshape the landscape of science and society in unprecedented ways.

Which wall does your research break?

Our research aims to break the wall of controlling quantum systems of increasing complexity. As a rule, complex systems, such as essentially all objects we encounter in the everyday world, obey the laws of classical physics, despite being composed of quantum mechanical particles. Our work aims to understand if complex, large-scale fully controlled quantum systems can be ever built in principle and in practice.

What inspired or motivated you to work on your current research or project?

This is an exciting interdisciplinary field at the cutting-edge frontier of modern science and technology. This field combines some of the most fundamental aspects of physical science with cutting-edge experimental physics, engineering and new potential applications across a wide range of fields.

In what ways does society benefit from your research?

Large-scale controllable quantum systems may enable a completely new generation of scientific discoveries and new revolutionary applications. Many believe that quantum computers and other quantum technologies may change science and society in the 21st century in ways that can be more dramatic than classical computers did in the 20th century.