Yingmei Liu, a professor of physics at Oklahoma State University, has been elected a 2026 Fellow of the American Physical Society, a distinction earned by fewer than 0.5% of its eligible members annually. The society specifically recognized Liu for “fundamental contributions to the physics of spinor Bose-Einstein condensates and quantum walks.” Liu’s research group at OSU also developed Oklahoma’s only programmable quantum simulator, a machine that can outperform conventional computers in modeling particle interactions. “I’m delighted to be the first OSU faculty elected for research on atomic, molecular and optical physics,” Liu said.
Oklahoma’s Quantum Simulator Advances Sensing and Particle Interaction Studies
Oklahoma’s only programmable quantum simulator, developed at Oklahoma State University, is now being used to explore complex particle interactions and refine quantum sensing technologies. The unique device allows researchers to model quantum systems beyond the reach of conventional supercomputers. The simulator’s power stems from its ability to accurately mimic the behavior of tiny particles, a feat challenging for even the most powerful classical computers. Liu’s team has demonstrated the simulator’s superior performance in specific quantum system calculations, suggesting a potential pathway for designing and testing new quantum materials.
This research builds on Liu’s work with spinor Bose-Einstein condensates, a state of matter enabling precise control over atomic behavior. These sensors, based on the principles of quantum mechanics, promise to improve several fields, including medical diagnostics and resource exploration.
Liu explained that the quantum approach enhances the sensors’ ability to pinpoint the origin of signals, offering a significant advantage over conventional technologies. The potential applications of these enhanced sensors are diverse, including the creation of non-invasive medical images for earlier disease detection, more accurate location of mineral deposits, and even identification of archaeological sites from space. The sensors could also contribute to improved earthquake prediction by detecting subtle changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.
Liu’s work has also drawn over $6 million in research funding, supporting a collaborative environment for students and postdoctoral researchers. Liu said, “I’m so proud of and grateful for the 30+ talented OSU physics undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars who have worked in my quantum research group in the last 17 years,” highlighting the importance of mentorship in advancing quantum physics. The team will next explore uses for the simulator in quantum information sciences, with a particular focus on enhancing the precision of quantum sensing.
I’m so proud of and grateful for the 30+ talented OSU’s physics undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars who have worked in my quantum research group in the last 17 years.
Dr. Yingmei Liu, Professor at Oklahoma State University
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