Abstract: From knotted cords to contemporary computers, the revolution in information technologies has been a major driving force of human civilization. Since its emergence in the early 1900s, quantum mechanics has played a foundational role in enabling many transformative technologies, such as lasers and transistors, that are now recognized as hallmarks of the first quantum revolution. Over the past two decades, the focus has shifted to the second quantum revolution, which aims to develop novel quantum technologies that harness the creation, manipulation, and measurement of quantum superposition and entanglement in physical systems. In this talk, I will provide an overview of this rapidly evolving field and highlight the transformative potential of quantum technologies through two illustrative examples involving light-matter interaction: (i) quantum simulation of topological quantum matter, such as triply-degenerate fermions, with cold atoms; and (ii) quantum squeezing and sensing via exceptional points in nonlinear optical media. Despite significant technological challenges, these emerging quantum technologies hold great promise to revolutionize computing, communication, security, materials science, and sensing in the near future.

Short Bio:

Dr. Chuanwei Zhang is a Professor of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin in 2005 and his B.S. from the University of Science and Technology of China in 2000. Before joining Washington University, he was on the faculty at the University of Texas at Dallas (2012–2023) and Washington State University (2008–2012). At UT Dallas, he served as Associate Department Head from 2015 to 2023.

Dr. Zhang’s research interests include theoretical quantum information processing, ultracold atomic gases, photonics, topological quantum materials, and two-dimensional materials. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, including over 60 in journals such as Nature Physics and Physical Review Letters. He was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2017 and received both the DARPA Young Faculty Award (2010) and the APS Texas Section Robert S. Hyer Award (2015).