Quantum technologies are poised to transform computing, communications, and sensing by enabling capabilities beyond the reach of conventional systems. Researchers at the Institute for Energy Efficiency are advancing the foundational technologies needed to realize scalable, energy-efficient quantum systems, with expertise in quantum photonics, networking, sensing, materials, and device integration.
This initiative focuses on developing quantum materials, nanophotonic devices, superconducting circuits, and integrated quantum systems that enable the generation, manipulation, transmission, and measurement of quantum information. Faculty are pioneering semiconductor quantum dots, hybrid quantum platforms, photonic integrated circuits, and quantum networking technologies, including integrated entangled photon sources that support future quantum internet architectures.
Researchers are also developing chip-scale lasers, integrated optical clocks, superconducting circuits, and broadband photonic technologies that reduce the size, power consumption, and complexity of quantum platforms. Beyond computing and communications, faculty are advancing quantum sensing technologies such as optical atomic clocks, quantum magnetometers, atomic sensors, and biomolecular sensing platforms, strengthening UCSB's leadership in scalable, energy-efficient quantum computing, networking, and sensing.
Lead Faculty
Richard Mirin: Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mirin's research interests include superconducting single-photon detectors, III-V semiconductor devices including semiconductor lasers, chip-scale nonlinear optics, and quantum dots, and molecular beam epitaxy. Mirin returned to UCSB in 2025 after nearly thirty years working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he most recently served as the quantum nanophotonics group leader in the Applied Physics Division.
Galan Moody: Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Moody's research focuses on fabricating and characterizing nanophotonic devices and quantum materials relevant for quantum communications and computing, including 2D materials, semiconductor quantum dots, and hybrid quantum systems.