The next-generation of quantum devices and sensors will push the limits of our understanding of the natural world and serve as the basis for a broad set of applications in telecommunications, transportation, AI, IoT, Bio, and medicine. Theory and computation play a central role in developing technologies that harness quantum coherence and entanglement. Yet, classical simulation of quantum systems is challenging due to an exponentially growing state space. We are developing novel computational methods, frameworks, and principles that enable efficient classical simulation of complex, many-body quantum systems, such as quantum-dot platforms for computing and electronic sensors. To do so, we employ a range of complementary techniques, from pen-and-paper theory, tensor networks and matrix product states, and innovative computational algorithms to tackle behavior spanning multiple length and time scales. Our team is engaged in a number of other projects in self-assembly, biomolecular force measurement, nanopore analysis platforms, and spectroscopic techniques for biomolecular dynamics. As part of the Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division at NIST, we offer a highly-collaborative atmosphere where a close contact with experimental groups affords the opportunity to put theory into practice.

Selected References

• Breaking the Entanglement Barrier: Tensor Network Simulation of Quantum Transport, M. M. Rams and M. Zwolak, Physical Review Letters 124, 137701 (2020)
• Open-system tensor networks and Kramers' crossover for quantum transport, G. Wójtowicz, J. E. Elenewski, M. M. Rams, and M. Zwolak, Physical Review A 101, 050301(R) (2020)
• Revealing the emergence of classicality using nitrogen-vacancy centers, T. K. Unden, D. Louzon, M. Zwolak, W. H. Zurek, and F. Jelezko, Physical Review Letters 123, 140402 (2019)
• An energy-resolved atomic scanning probe, D. Gruss, C.-C. Chien, J. T. Barreiro, M. Di Ventra, M. Zwolak, New Journal of Physics 20, 115005 (2018)
• Communication: Gibbs phenomenon and the emergence of the steady-state in quantum transport, M. Zwolak, The Journal of Chemical Physics 149, 241102 (2018)

key words

Quantum simulation; Quantum transport; Quantum sensing; Quantum control; Tensor networks; Matrix product states; Atom-based solid-state devices; Quantum dots; Cold atoms; Electronic transport; Many-body physics; Nanotechnology; Nanostructures; Electronic transport; Theory; High-performance computing;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants