In the first half of the 20th century, the first quantum revolution gave us a new way of thinking about the way the world works and brought us technologies such as lasers, MRI machines, and the transistors that underpin all aspects of modern life. Today, the second quantum revolution is underway, and it’s all about control.
The coming generation of quantum technologies will be built on new physical principles and demand new materials, new methods of investigation, and new collaborations. At Columbia, we’re tackling these demands together and training the next generation of quantum scientists and entrepreneurs.
Building on the collaborative culture long fostered at Columbia, the Quantum Initiative is combining interdisciplinary expertise in materials science, photonics, quantum theory, and more, all while taking advantage of our unique position in the global hub that is New York to develop novel quantum technologies that will open new frontiers into how we compute through complex problems, communicate with one another, and sense the world around us.
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Recent News
Columbia Physicists Shine New Light on an Old Quantum Optics Problem About Collective Behavior
Calculations from Ana Asenjo-Garcia and Stuart Masson reveal that any atom array is capable of bursting—a sign that atoms are syncing up.
Studying the Quantum Nature of Light at Columbia
For International Day of Light, meet some of the faculty who are continuing the university’s long legacy of light research.
Hidden Distortions Trigger Promising Thermoelectric Property
Study describes new mechanism for lowering thermal conductivity to aid search for materials that convert heat to electricity or electricity to heat