FSU Opens the IRCB, A New Space Equipped for Quantum Discovery

In 2023, FSU announced the dedication of $20 million to quantum science and engineering (QSE) within three years. The funds will enable additional expansion of QSE research, including hiring postdoctoral fellows and tenure-track faculty. Housing the world’s largest and highest-powered Magnet Lab, FSU is strategically positioned to be at the forefront of QSE research. Many of the new hires will be housed in the Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Building that is scheduled to open in early May of 2025. One such faculty member is Lukasz Dusanowski, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Lukasz Dusanowski

“My group's research encompasses various aspects of material science, photonics, and quantum optics. One of our main objectives is to localize and engineer new types of solid-state quantum emitters and interface them with nanoscale photonic structures for quantum networking and computing applications,” he said about his research. Lukasz’s work aims to “provide a means to generate complex entangled photonic states or distribute entanglement between different quantum memories, which is a fundamental building block for realizing a quantum network.”

Lukasz chose FSU after his faculty interview, in which he was deeply impressed by the MagLab. “It is a truly unique facility where groundbreaking research in physics, chemistry, and medicine takes place. Furthermore, FSU has consistently excelled in condensed matter physics, a field that I am very passionate about, and which has many overlapping aspects with my research, promising exciting collaborative opportunities. The FSU Quantum Initiative not only promotes intra- and inter-institutional collaboration but also tries to position FSU as a leader in the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum research. By joining FSU, I am eager to contribute to these innovative efforts.”

When asked about the IRCB building, Lukasz said he is very excited. “It is designed as a hub for collaboration and innovation; in particular, all the new hires in the fields of quantum science, engineering, and material science will be located there, including my group’s laboratories.” The IRCB is located in FSU’s Innovation Park, which places it right next to the MagLab, the College of Engineering, the High-Performance Materials Institute, and the Center for Advanced Power Systems. “I believe that it will promote the spontaneous exchange of ideas and dialogue among researchers, which can lead to significant discoveries and advancements.”

Lukasz believes that “joining FSU has been an incredible experience. It is an excellent choice regarding the academic career provided by the cutting-edge research facilities, collaborative and supportive environment, motivated students, and great community culture. FSU is a great place to thrive both personally and professionally. I would highly recommend applying to FSU’s tenure-track and post-doctoral fellowships.”

Yanzhu Chen

Yanzhu Chen, an assistant professor in the Physics Department, joined FSU to work with brilliant minds and find inspiration for her research in quantum information processing. “In the Physics Department, there are many wonderful research groups working on topics such as topological phenomena, spin qubits, and quantum materials. My research can benefit a lot from interacting with these research groups.”

“As a theorist, I don’t need much beyond office space, but I find the computing resources at FSU to be very useful.” The IRCB building will house theorists and experimentalists alike. “I appreciate having an office close to colleagues working on quantum information science and engineering, which will definitely make it easier to communicate and collaborate,” Yanzhu replied when prompted on her thoughts for the new building.

He Zhao

Another assistant professor recently hired at FSU is He Zhao, also in the Physics Department. He says he was “drawn to FSU because of its commitment to interdisciplinary research and supportive academic community. “Ultimately, joining FSU’s faculty is a chance to be part of a community that not only advances the boundaries of knowledge but also shapes the next generation of scientists.”

He’s research focuses on discovery and control of new states of matter. “By understanding how factors like reduced dimensionality, wavefunction topology, and electron interactions work together, we hope to not only expand our fundamental knowledge of quantum physics but also pave the way for future technologies, such as quantum computing and ultra-efficient electronic devices.”

He is particularly drawn to the MagLab and the way it “provides countless opportunities to engage with leading researchers from various fields,” which He believes “is a testament to FSU’s dedication to creating a vibrant, state-of-the-art research environment. It offers advanced resources and collaborative spaces that encourage creative problem-solving and the exploration of novel ideas. Together, these facilities not only enhance our ability to advance the frontiers of research but also cultivate a dynamic community of passionate scientists and students dedicated to making significant strides in their respective fields.”

He concluded by stating that “The university not only champions cutting-edge research but also offers unparalleled access to collaborative resources—such as the MagLab and the new IRCB building—that foster interdisciplinary exploration. If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge and value a community that nurtures both your professional and personal growth, FSU is an excellent place to build your academic career.”

The FSU Quantum Initiative’s goal is to hire the next generation of scholars who will make use of the world class facilities and train new generations of researchers in the QSE disciplines. With these inspiring new hires, FSU hopes to bring about ground-breaking discoveries in quantum science and engineering and translate them to future quantum technologies.