Zhigang Jiang, Martin Mourigal, and Yan Wang lead the Magnetometry and Spectrum-Based Quantum Sensing Platforms for Quantum Information Science and Technology research program at the Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS). Jiang and Mourigal are professors in the School of Physics. Wang is a professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

In this brief Q&A, they discuss their research focus, how it connection to IMS’s research priorities, and the national impact of this initiative.

What is your field of expertise?

Jiang and Mourigal are quantum material physicists, specializing in optical magneto-spectroscopy and neutron spectroscopy, respectively. Wang is an engineering expert in quantum optimization and quantum AI/machine learning.

What questions or challenges sparked your current research? 

In 2025, we celebrate 100 years of quantum mechanics. A recurring question in the community is how, after a century of progress, we can fully harness the potential of quantum coherence to achieve quantum supremacy in practical devices. This program aims to address this challenge by demonstrating spectrum-based entanglement witnessing and control in quantum materials, as well as developing novel quantum sensing platforms with unprecedented sensitivity.

Matter and systems refer to the transformational technological and societal systems that arise from the convergence of innovative materials, devices, and processes. Why is your program important to the development of the IMS research strategy? 

IMS has been a strong supporter of campus-wide quantum research, which spans many GT units. Through this program, we aim to integrate existing efforts in quantum materials and quantum engineering to form an interdisciplinary team positioned to address national research needs in quantum information and technology, with a particular focus on quantum sensing. The deep involvement of GTRI quantum scientists provides unparalleled opportunities for real-world applications, aligning closely with the IMS research strategy.

What are the broader global and social benefits of the research you and your team conduct?

This program represents GT’s response to the National Quantum Initiative Act, which aims to accelerate quantum research and development in the United States. The quantum sensing platforms proposed here feature cutting-edge technology that is compact, highly sensitive, and easily integrated with existing classical systems. These platforms hold strong potential for transformative applications across a range of industries, including biomedical imaging in healthcare, navigation in aerospace, oil and mineral exploration, and semiconductor manufacturing. 

What are your plans for engaging a wider Georgia Tech faculty pool with the Institute for Matter and Systems research?

This program builds on an established network of quantum materials and engineering researchers, bringing together faculty from Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and GTRI. We plan to further expand this network by engaging GT scientists and engineers through workshops—such as IMS-organized symposiums—and collaborative team proposals. Our long-term goal is to establish a GT–led quantum center that is nationally competitive and positioned to address critical research needs in quantum information and technology.