Rice physicist receives NSF CAREER award to advance quantum technology

Yonglong Xie's pioneering research seeks to unlock the potential of magnons, quantum wavelike entities present in magnetic materials, to drive progress in quantum technology. Through his project supported by the NSF CAREER Award, Xie aims to harness the unique properties of magnons to create synthetic matter and advance the development of next-generation quantum devices and sensors.

“Magnons display fundamentally different characteristics than electrons, and their collective behavior in solids remains largely unexplored,” Xie said. “By better understanding magnons, we aim to create synthetic matter not found in nature and develop quantum devices and sensors with unprecedented functionalities.”

Xie's research endeavors to delve into the collective behavior of magnons within solids, pushing the boundaries of fundamental quantum science. By gaining deeper insights into magnons, Xie and his team aspire to pioneer the creation of synthetic matter and unlock unprecedented functionalities in quantum devices and sensors.

Xie's research leverages graphene, a sheet of carbon atoms, within a strong magnetic field as a versatile platform for launching and detecting magnons efficiently. This innovative approach holds immense potential for technological applications across various domains, including ultra-low-power electronics, information transfer, computing, sensing, and energy conversion.

Expressing gratitude for the NSF's support, Xie emphasizes the significance of this award in enabling critical research at the intersection of physics, materials science, and quantum technology. Moreover, Xie is committed to fostering education and outreach initiatives for students across academic levels, bridging the gap between materials education and the burgeoning demand for quantum technology in society.

COMPAMED-tradefair.com; Source: Rice University Houston