Exploring Quantum Coherence Through Optical Spectroscopy

Dr. Chengyun Hua is leading the front in quantum science research, working on the ability to understand and manipulate quantum coherent states and advanced optical techniques. Her work with the staff at the Coherent Spectroscopy Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is based around “optical measurements on spin transport in topological materials.”

With a background in condensed matter physics and quantum science, Hua is aptly prepared to face the prickly issues of quantum coherence. She has also been a fellow at the University of Chicago and then progressed to an ORNL staff through the Eugene P. Wigner Fellowship.

As Hua explained recently: “My research interest focus[es] mainly [on] energy transport in condensed matter using optical spectroscopy and also neutr[on] spectroscopy.”

At the heart of Hua’s research lies the application of cutting-edge optical characterization methods to study quantum phenomena.

“I do ultrafast optical characterization such as ultrafast pump-probe technique as well as inelastic neutron scattering,” she said. By employing these advanced techniques, Hua and her colleagues can observe and manipulate the behavior of quantum systems on ultra-short timescales.

One of the central goals driving Hua’s work is the pursuit of longer-lasting quantum coherence states.

“I think part of the future research in QIS [Quantum Information Science] is going to be [to] try to maintain the quantum coherence state as long as possible,” she noted. Achieving extended coherence times is crucial for realizing practical applications in quantum computing, sensing, and communication.

By her devoted work on optical spectroscopy, Hua has contributed a lot to the field of quantum science. Work in this area might very well hold the promise of opening new frontiers in quantum technology through the unraveling of mysteries associated with quantum coherence, along with the control and extension of these delicate states.