Zhurun (Judy) Ji is launching the Ji Quantum Lab within the MIT Physics Department to investigate quantum materials. The lab will utilize nanoscale microwave and quantum sensors, wiring them into microwave and mm-wave circuits or employing scanning probes within nanometers of material edges. This approach focuses on systems exhibiting strongly interacting or highly entangled electrons, with research encompassing microwave sensing for mapping nanoscale conductivity, magnetism, and excitations, as well as microwave transport techniques to study exotic electronic phases. By analyzing responses in frequency, space, and magnetic field, the lab aims to directly observe new phases and collective modes.
Quantum Materials and Microwave Sensing Research
The newly established Ji Quantum Lab at MIT will investigate quantum materials using nanoscale microwave and quantum sensors. Research will focus on systems exhibiting strongly interacting or entangled electrons, employing techniques like millimeter-wave impedance microscopy and next-generation scanning probes. These probes will map nanoscale conductivity, magnetism, and excitations, bringing them within nanometers of material edges to study exotic electronic phases via microwave transport techniques.
The lab aims to observe new phases and collective modes by analyzing material response in varying frequency, space, and magnetic field conditions. Furthermore, the lab will explore “programming” materials utilizing cavities, lithographic patterning, and engineered electromagnetic environments, then read out their quantum behavior with the developed sensing tools. This involves a mix of nanofabrication, dilution-fridge experiments, and RF/microwave engineering.
The Ji Quantum Lab is actively recruiting PhD students (application deadline December 15th), postdocs, and UROPs. The research environment is described as collaborative, drawing from backgrounds including scanning probe physics, transport, AMO-style physics, microwaves/RF, materials science, theory, and even AI. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the MIT Physics PhD portal or email the principal investigator with their CV or website.
Lab Focus: Experimental Techniques and Tools
The Ji Quantum Lab at MIT will focus on probing quantum materials using nanoscale microwave and quantum sensors. Techniques will include wiring materials into microwave and millimeter-wave circuits, and utilizing scanning probes positioned within nanometers of material edges. Research will center on systems exhibiting strongly interacting or entangled electrons, employing microwave sensing—like millimeter-wave impedance microscopy—to map nanoscale conductivity, magnetism, and excitations.
The lab will also use microwave transport techniques to investigate exotic electronic phases, analyzing responses to variations in frequency, space, and magnetic field to identify new phases and collective modes. Furthermore, the lab intends to program materials using cavities, lithographic patterning, and engineered electromagnetic environments, then read out their quantum behavior with the developed sensing tools.
Daily work within the Ji Quantum Lab will involve a combination of nanofabrication, dilution-fridge experiments, RF/microwave engineering, and theory/data analysis. The lab is seeking PhD students, postdocs, and UROPs with backgrounds in areas like scanning probe microscopy, transport, AMO physics, microwaves/RF, materials science, theory, or AI. Applications for PhD positions are due December 15th.
We’ll use nanoscale microwave and quantum sensors to probe quantum materials, wiring them into microwave and mm-wave circuits or bringing scanning probes within nanometers of their edges.
Zhurun (Judy) Ji
Open Positions: PhD, Postdoc, and UROP Opportunities
The Ji Quantum Lab at MIT is forming a team and seeking applicants for PhD, postdoc, and UROP positions. Research will center on probing quantum materials using nanoscale microwave and quantum sensors, incorporating techniques like millimeter-wave impedance microscopy and scanning probes operating within nanometers of sample edges. The lab aims to study strongly interacting or entangled electrons through microwave sensing and transport techniques, investigating responses to frequency, space, and magnetic fields to identify new phases and collective modes.
The lab’s work will combine nanofabrication, dilution-fridge experiments, RF/microwave engineering, and data analysis within a collaborative MIT/Boston environment. Researchers will explore programming materials with cavities, lithographic patterning, and engineered electromagnetic environments, then read out quantum behavior using developed tools. The lab welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including scanning probe physics, transport, AMO physics, microwaves/RF, materials science, theory, or AI.
Interested PhD applicants should apply through the MIT Physics PhD portal by December 15. Postdoc and UROP candidates are encouraged to email a short note detailing their scientific interests and include a CV or website. Further information about the Ji Quantum Lab is available at jiquantumlab.com. The lab seeks individuals who are curious, careful, and kind to contribute to its research goals.
