In today’s Open Quantum Initiative story, four undergraduates who studied nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond this summer describe their work, discuss what they learned, and offer advice to young people who are interested in the growing field. Read previous installments that feature interviews with fellows who spent their summer researching quantum memory applications and working with and designing new experimental tools. Watch for additional Q&As in the coming days with fellows who worked on quantum communication protocols, researched quantum algorithms, and evaluated defects and dopants in materials for quantum applications.
‘Working in quantum science now feels much more accessible’
In the third installment of our Open Quantum Initiative series, fellows describe how they worked in a variety of ways with a quantum information powerhouse: diamond NV centers
Home Institution: University of Michigan
Major: Electrical Engineering
OQI Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Choy, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: This summer I worked on using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to develop a quantum sensing system. The goal was to design a magnetic field sensing system that was simple, compact, and relied mainly on optics.
Q: What was your role?
A: My role in the lab was to help construct the system and attempt measurements. Over the course of the summer, I used my observations to help find ways that we could refine and optimize the system as much as possible.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: During OQI, I was able to explore the different ways quantum science is applied, and the growing industry developing around it.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering (QISE)?
A: The idea of working in quantum science now feels much more accessible. What once seemed like a distant and broad field to me, now seems just as broad but with different paths and focus areas that I've found myself wanting to explore more.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: When I return to University of Michigan this fall, I will be helping start a quantum science club on campus with another student. This will hopefully provide more chances for me to explore and interact with the world of QISE and create a place for students with similar interests in QISE to do the same.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: Whenever I have some spare time, I try to spend it working on my art.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: Opportunities and resources are everywhere, so no matter where you start, there's an open door somewhere.
Peter Mugaba Noertoft
Home Institution: Stanford University
Major: Electrical Engineering
OQI Institution: University of Chicago
Faculty Mentor: David Awschalom, Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering, UChicago; Senior Scientist, Argonne; Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: This summer I joined the quantum sensing efforts in the Awschalom group working on magnetometry with the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond.
Q: What was your role?
A: My role was to establish scanning probe magnetic field sensing capabilities to be used for characterization of various quantum devices. The goal is to use information about distributions of magnetic fields to learn about relevant device physics. This involved building an optical setup for confocal microscopy and creating instrument control code to network the necessary lab equipment.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: Through the OQI experience, I’m excited to have gained a deeper insight into what it means to be a scientist working in a lab. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know all the other fellows, who share a strong interest in quantum science and engineering.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering?
A: This summer I’ve learned about the sheer breadth of opportunities related to quantum science and engineering. It has been very inspiring to hear how the problems people choose to work on are often related to their unique backgrounds and interests.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’ve really enjoyed spending my summer in a research lab, gaining hands-on experience as a scientist and engineer. During the upcoming academic year, I’m excited to continue working on my research project at my home institution and thinking about what role I can play in the world of science long term.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I am an avid cyclist and love outdoor bike rides. I also enjoy playing recreational soccer and basketball.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: I would encourage anyone with an interest in quantum science and engineering to consider a wide range of ways to get involved. Doing is an excellent way of learning!
Atlas Sébastien Bailly
Home Institution: Cornell University
Major: Physics, Mathematics
OQI Institution: Argonne National Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Paul Kairys, Postdoctoral Appointee
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: Autonomous characterization of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. Initially I worked on a computer model of the nitrogen-vacancy center, then used the model to explore optimal Bayesian experimentation.
Q: What was your role?
A: I was given a lot of freedom to explore my own ideas while working with my mentor on an existing project.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: By working with scientists and constantly being engaged with researchers or new startups through the OQI, I gained a lot of soft knowledge about QISE and science at large. Through my work I built many practical skills and a foundational image of how science is done.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering?
A: “Quantum stuff” has taken on an almost mythical/sci-fi aura in the public eye. This summer I learned that QISE is not [composed] of a top-secret Google basement but of a wide range of people with different technical goals and interests.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I greatly enjoyed my work in QISE but feel that it would be premature to commit myself to any field. I want to explore more science and math and discover what else people are working on.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I’m an avid rock climber and outdoorsman, I love reading of all sorts, and in the past year I’ve rediscovered my passion for football (soccer).
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: Explore your interests before anything! The world is broad and QISE itself is unimaginably diverse.
Rachelle Rosiles
Home Institution: Illinois Institute of Technology
Major: Physics
OQI Institution: Argonne National Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Nazar Delegan, Assistant Scientist
Q: What was the focus of your OQI research this summer?
A: The group I worked with this summer conducted experiments on the growth and characterization of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds for quantum sensing on the diamond surface. I was particularly involved in the process of optically addressing and manipulating the qubit.
Q: What was your role?
A: For my role, I adapted the control software, nspyre, to integrate new optical devices and create more self-driven experiments.
Q: What have you gained from the OQI experience?
A: I gained perspective on different opportunities in quantum science in both industry and academia. The connections I made have been extremely rewarding by exposing me to new fields and opening up opportunities for me.
Q: What new perspectives do you have about quantum information science and engineering?
A: I see now that industry and academia are not mutually exclusive. Plenty of startups have spawned from research groups and have backgrounds in academia, while industries in quantum science rely heavily on people who can conduct research on the product they’re developing. I’ve also come to realize that there is a lot of investment and momentum in this field, so I know it is a great time to be getting in.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’m looking to continue my work in research as I figure out if graduate school is the path for me. There are some researchers I’m interested in working with next summer in quantum computing.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I enjoy caring for my plants, watching them grow, and shaping the bonsai I have.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people who are interested in pursuing a career in QISE?
A: I would say that now is the perfect time to do so, whether your interest lies in the science, organization, or the business side. There’s plenty of work to do and many people who are willing to talk and advise on how to get into the field, whether through the OQI fellowship or other means. Don’t let the word “quantum” intimidate because it is really not that inaccessible.
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