Xun Gao

JILA Joins DOE’s Quantum Systems Accelerator for Next Phase of Quantum Innovation

Steven Burrows — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:18:36 +0000

JILA Joins DOE’s Quantum Systems Accelerator for Next Phase of Quantum Innovation Steven Burrows Tue, 11/04/2025 - 12:18

Steven Burrows / JILA Science Communications Manager

A round glass cell (centre, in black frame) is designed to hold a gas of molecules cooled to 50 billionths of a Kelvin. Credit: Ye Group/Steven Burrows/JILA

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $625 million investment to advance the next phase of the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, a cornerstone of the National Quantum Initiative. This funding will support five centers dedicated to accelerating quantum technologies that promise transformative impacts on science, industry, and national security.

Among these centers, the Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA)—led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory—will continue its mission to develop practical quantum systems that can solve real-world problems. QSA brings together leading institutions to tackle challenges in quantum computing, sensing, and networking, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical advances and deployable technologies.

JILA is proud to remain a key partner in QSA through the Q-SEnSE Institute, which focuses on quantum sensing and precision measurement. These capabilities are essential for applications ranging from navigation and timing to probing fundamental physics. JILA Fellow Jun Ye will lead the JILA effort, supported by senior investigators and JILA Fellows Cindy Regal, Adam Kaufman, Ana Maria Rey, James Thompson, Murray Holland, and Xun Gao—a team internationally recognized for pioneering work in quantum optics, atomic physics, and many-body systems.

“JILA is proud to remain a key partner in QSA. Through our work in both QSA and Q-SEnSE, JILA plays a leading role in advancing quantum innovations at the national and international levels,” remarked Inese Berzina-Pitcher, Executive Director for Q-SEnSE.

The next five years of QSA will focus on building scalable quantum platforms, advancing error correction, and integrating quantum devices into scientific workflows. JILA’s expertise in ultracold atoms, optical lattices, and quantum simulation will play a critical role in these goals.

For more details, read the official announcements:

Energy Department Announces $625 Million to Advance the Next Phase of National Quantum Information Science Research Centers

The Quantum Systems Accelerator Embarks on Next Five Years of Pioneering Quantum Technologies for Science

Off

Traditional

White

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Physics Undergraduate Luke Coffman is Awarded a 2024 Astronaut Scholarship

Steven Burrows — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:11:37 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Physics Undergraduate Luke Coffman is Awarded a 2024 Astronaut Scholarship Steven Burrows Wed, 08/07/2024 - 13:11

Undergraduate student Luke Coffman.

University of Colorado Boulder senior undergraduate Luke Coffman has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Astronaut Scholarship, recognizing his exceptional achievements and potential in the field of STEM. Double-majoring in physics and math with a minor in quantum engineering, Coffman’s research looks at quantum information theory, focusing particularly on quantum entanglement.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) has awarded 71 scholarships to students from 48 universities nationwide as part of the 2024 Astronaut Scholar Class. The scholarship is given to junior and senior college students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics who aim to pursue research or advance their field upon completing their degree. Astronaut Scholars are recognized for their initiative, creativity, and excellence in STEM, and Luke Coffman undoubtedly embodies these qualities.

Currently, Coffman is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in JILA Fellow and University of Colorado Boulder Physics professor Xun Gao’s research group. His research focuses on the complexity and simulatability of quantum states, particularly in quantum optics.

One part of his work involves using special mathematical tools to simplify these complex states, making them easier to analyze. Additionally, he is developing new methods to apply these tools to different types of quantum particles called fermions. This research is important for advancing our understanding of how quantum systems can be simulated and studied.

Beyond his research, Coffman is an active member of the academic community at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. He serves as one of the co-presidents of the Society of Physics Students and as the vice president for the Community of Support for Marginalized Students (COSMOS) in the math department. His leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all students highlight his well-rounded character and dedication to both science and community.

“I was pleasantly surprised to be named an Astronaut Scholar; it represents a long lineage of scientists exploring for curiosity’s sake, but more importantly for humanity’s betterment,” Coffman said. “I’m proud to represent the quantum intuitive at CU and JILA on the national level like this and excited to see what quantum science has on hold for the future.”

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� senior Luke Coffman has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Astronaut Scholarship, recognizing his exceptional achievements and potential in the field of STEM. Double-majoring in physics and math with a minor in quantum engineering, Coffman’s research looks at quantum information theory, focusing particularly on quantum entanglement.

Off

Traditional

White

JILA welcomes new Fellow Xun Gao

Steven Burrows — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:44:41 +0000

JILA welcomes new Fellow Xun Gao Steven Burrows Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:44

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry / JILA Science Communicator

Dr. Xun Gao has been honored with the designation of JILA Fellow, highlighting his anticipated contributions to JILA’s research. In addition to his appointment as a JILA Fellow, the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder has added Gao as an Assistant Professor. His enthusiasm for the collaborative spirit that characterizes the JILA and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� communities promises to bring fresh perspectives and innovative research to the forefront.

As a distinguished quantum information theorist, Professor Gao's work is at the cutting edge of exploring quantum computational advantages. His research delves into the capabilities and boundaries of contemporary quantum devices, quantum machine learning, and quantum optimization algorithms. Furthermore, Gao's work on quantum error correction and applying quantum-inspired methodologies to classical algorithm design is poised to advance the field significantly.

Earning his Ph.D. in Physics from Tsinghua University in Beijing in 2018, Professor Gao brings a rich academic and research background to JILA. His journey included a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University within the Max-Planck Harvard Research Center for Quantum Optics before he arrived at JILA.

We warmly welcome Professor Xun Gao to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and look forward to the innovations and collaborative achievements his presence will inspire. Welcome aboard, Professor Gao!

Off

Traditional

White

Xun Gao

JILA Joins DOE’s Quantum Systems Accelerator for Next Phase of Quantum Innovation

Off

���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ Physics Undergraduate Luke Coffman is Awarded a 2024 Astronaut Scholarship

Off

JILA welcomes new Fellow Xun Gao

Off

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Physics Undergraduate Luke Coffman is Awarded a 2024 Astronaut Scholarship