Harvard University
Quantum Everything
Harvard scientists are advancing cutting-edge technologies that harness the properties of quantum physics to improve computers, medicine, and a whole universe of other possibilities.
What is quantum physics?
Students and faculty from across Harvard explain the basics of quantum physics and why it’s so important.
Quantum leaps of the near future
More powerful computers
Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the world around us. The technology could enable the rapid design and development of life-saving drugs, clean energy, and optimized commerce.
Harvard scientists are working on detecting and removing errors in quantum computers, improving the accuracy of the calculations quantum computers perform, and utilizing light to carry quantum information.
Faster, safer internet
Harvard scientists established the practical makings of the first quantum internet by entangling two quantum memory nodes separated by an optical fiber link. This work, combined with electro-optic modulators and photon routers, points the way to a next-generation quantum internet capable of sending highly complex, hacker-proof information around the world at ultra-fast speeds.
Stronger cybersecurity
As quantum computers become more powerful, they threaten to undermine current cryptographic defenses. Quantum-resistant cybersecurity is possible, but it still needs time to be developed and tested.
Entangled in quantum physics
Harvard students, faculty, and researchers—including the Harvard Quantum Computing Club—are exploring the possibilities of quantum technologies.
Aaron Day
As a Ph.D. student in applied physics, Aaron’s work revolves around studying spin defects—quantum sources of light—and how they could someday be used within a quantum internet.
Evelyn, who is co-director of the Harvard Quantum Initiative, won the American Physical Society prize for pioneering contributions to nanomaterials and nanofabrication of electronic, optoelectronic, and quantum devices.
Rhine, a Harvard alum, received the Boeing Quantum Creators Prize for his research at the interface of quantum information science and condensed matter physics.
Tan Dao
In Harvard’s Department of Physics, Tan worked on novel quantum materials that may transform our energy usage in the information and communication technology sector.
Gregory Cunningham
While pursuing his Ph.D., Gregory explored ways to optimize the structure of quantum computers so they can more easily scale up.
Emma Yang
During her first year at Harvard, Emma founded the Harvard Undergraduate Quantum Computing Association, where she brought in researchers and industry professionals for talks, partnerships, and mentorship programs.
The ripples of quantum waves
Research into quantum physics and the technology that it makes possible has a far reaching impact.
The coldest experiment ever
Harvard researchers cooled a Fermi-Hubbard system made of neutral atoms down a hundred billion times below room temperature, colder than ever before, creating what Greiner calls “the most pristine artificial quantum system ever.” In so doing, the researchers have made it possible to simulate materials in ways that normal computers can’t.
The coldest experiment ever
The ethical and legal implications of quantum technologies in medicine
Using quantum properties to measure the smallest things
International cooperation and regulation around quantum computing
How quantum computing will transform the design of data centers
The unexpected kinship between quantum physics and theology
Our corner of the quantum universe
Harvard has created a vibrant quantum research community across our campus, from high school mentorship programs and student clubs to first-of-their-kind degree programs.
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