Lucia Rondini, a Columbia University physics graduate student, describes the vacuum of space not as emptiness, but as “fizzy” with quantum objects constantly appearing and disappearing. Rondini’s research, conducted with James McIver, who joined Columbia in 2022 as part of a six-institution collaboration including Columbia University, the Flatiron Institute, the Max Planck Institutes for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) in Hamburg and Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, uses a technique called cavity engineering with atomically thin materials to explore these fleeting phenomena.
McIver’s lab investigates how light interacts with materials, and is now studying how cavities can alter the properties of twisted trilayer graphene. “How incredible that we have this language to make predictions about the natural world!” Rondini recalled, reflecting on the moment physics captivated her as a high school student.
Quantum Vacuum Fluctuations and Cavity Engineering
Lucia Rondini, initially captivated by the predictability of simple physics, recalls a childhood fascination with trajectories; “History was my favorite subject, and I actually wanted to be a doctor. But, I remember very clearly learning the equations to describe the trajectory of a ball, or a pencil falling off a table, for things like airplanes and the Earth’s motion.” This early encounter with classical mechanics sparked a deeper interest in the underlying principles governing the natural world, ultimately leading her to explore the complexities of quantum vacuum fluctuations. Cavity engineering, at its core, manipulates the fundamental relationship between energy and time as described by quantum mechanics, allowing for temporary “borrowing” of energy from what appears to be nothing.
The technique utilizes structures, such as the space between two mirrors or, increasingly, layers of two-dimensional materials, to influence vacuum fluctuations, the constant appearance and disappearance of quantum objects. These fluctuations aren’t merely theoretical constructs; they represent a measurable energy present even in the absence of matter, and can be amplified or dampened within a carefully designed cavity. The implications of controlling these vacuum fluctuations extend beyond fundamental physics, with potential applications in areas like quantum computing and materials science.
Rondini explains that the size and composition of the cavity directly impact the available energy, offering a pathway to tailor material properties at the quantum level. Rondini credits a formative teacher with instilling a spirit of independent inquiry; “I got so mad about that, so I’d go figure things out on my own,” she said, “I owe my teacher a lot of credit.”
I got so mad about that, so I’d go figure things out on my own.
Lucia Rondini’s Path to Investigating Light-Matter Interactions
This collaborative initiative, begun in 2022, unites Columbia with the Flatiron Institute, the Max Planck Institutes for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) in Hamburg and Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, fostering interdisciplinary exploration of quantum systems. Recent advancements at Columbia, reported in 2026, demonstrate the use of quantum microwaves to shield molecules from energy loss, while a report from September 11, 2026, highlighted a collaboration with Cambridge unlocking quantum AI for new material models. Rondini’s research builds upon these strengths, exploring how cavity properties influence interactions between light and materials, and determining the extent to which these interactions can be controlled, potentially opening new avenues for quantum technologies.
Terahertz Frequencies and Twisted Trilayer Graphene Cavities
Cavities formed within twisted trilayer graphene are altering how scientists perceive empty space, prompting exploration of terahertz frequencies to manipulate material properties. James McIver received an Accelerate seed award to investigate how these cavities influence the behavior of this ultra-thin carbon form, focusing on confining particles and excitations to amplify certain characteristics while suppressing others. This amplification isn’t achieved with traditional two-mirror systems; instead, researchers are discovering that stacked two-dimensional materials themselves can create these cavities.
The concept challenges the traditional understanding of a vacuum, revealing it is not truly empty but rather a dynamic environment. Lucia Rondini explains this “nothing” is being redefined through cavity engineering with these atomically thin materials, confining standing waves of terahertz light within conductive layers of van der Waals heterostructures.
The research isn’t limited to observation; scientists are actively testing how much they can influence interactions between light and materials, exploring the cavity properties of various 2D materials to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Understanding these interactions holds potential for significant advancements, particularly in achieving superconductivity, a state where electrons flow with zero resistance. According to Rondini, understanding what makes materials behave in certain ways can help applied scientists find materials to better suit humanity’s needs.
Clean energy is a primary focus, as the majority of energy is lost due to resistance in transmission wires, a problem potentially mitigated by materials exhibiting superconductivity. Columbia University’s commitment to quantum research, evidenced by its Department of Physics and quantum engineering programs, supports these investigations into quantum computing, materials, and technologies, including algorithm and hardware development.
Potential of Cavity Engineering for Superconductivity & Energy Loss Reduction
Cavity engineering alters available energy through interactions with quantum fluctuations, a concept rooted in the mathematical limits of precision within quantum mechanics. The uncertainty principle dictates a trade-off between knowing an object’s position and momentum, or its energy and time; energy can be temporarily “borrowed” from a vacuum, provided it’s returned.
This vacuum isn’t emptiness, but a dynamic space where quantum objects constantly appear and disappear, what Lucia Rondini describes as “fizzy.” Amplification within these cavities, often formed by spaces between mirrors, isn’t limited to containing existing light; vacuum fluctuations themselves can interfere, modifying energy levels based on cavity size and composition. This self-interference is a surprising outcome of the underlying physics, demonstrating that even without an initial input, energy dynamics can be manipulated.
Rondini explains that fabricating these devices presents significant challenges, comparing the process to early scientific endeavors where everything was constructed by hand, acknowledging the high potential for error but emphasizing the importance of iterative experimentation. The university’s six patent families in this area demonstrate a commitment to translating fundamental research into practical applications, bolstered by partnerships within the Max Planck-New York Center.
This collaborative network, spanning institutions in Germany and the United States, facilitates the exchange of expertise and resources essential for advancing this nascent field and exploring the limits of energy manipulation at the quantum level.
See today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals.
