MIT Physicists Honored with McMillan Award for Quantum Discovery

Two physicists affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have been awarded the prestigious McMillan Award for their groundbreaking work in quantum physics. Jiaqi Cai and Zhengguang Lu were recognized for their independent discoveries related to the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect (FQAHE), which was first reported in the journal Nature last year.

The FQAHE represents an exotic electronic state in graphene, a remarkably thin form of carbon that has garnered significant attention for its potential applications in quantum computing. This innovative state allows electrons to exist as fractions of themselves, opening the door to more resilient quantum computing technologies.

The McMillan Award, presented by the University of Illinois, is considered the highest honor for young condensed matter physicists. Cai and Lu received this accolade for their contributions to the field, specifically for their work on fractional anomalous quantum Hall physics in two-dimensional moiré materials.

Contributions and Collaborations

Currently, Jiaqi Cai is a Pappalardo Fellow at MIT, working under the guidance of Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, who holds the title of Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics. Cai has collaborated with various laboratories at MIT, including that of Long Ju, the Lawrence and Sarah W. Biedenharn Career Development Associate Professor in the MIT Department of Physics. His initial discovery of FQAHE occurred while he was working in the lab of Xiaodong Xu at the University of Washington.

Zhengguang Lu, who made his discovery while serving as a postdoctoral researcher in Ju’s lab, has since advanced to become an assistant professor at Florida State University. Notably, both Cai and Lu made their discoveries in the same year, highlighting a significant advance in the understanding of quantum physics.

In a statement, Long Ju expressed pride in the achievements of his colleagues, saying, “The McMillan award is the highest honor that a young condensed matter physicist can receive. My colleagues and I in the Condensed Matter Experiment and the Condensed Matter Theory Group are very proud of Zhengguang and Jiaqi.”

Recognition and Future Engagement

In addition to the award, Cai and Lu will receive a monetary prize and a plaque commemorating their achievement. They are also scheduled to present a colloquium on their work at the University of Illinois this fall, providing an opportunity for further discussion and engagement with their peers in the field of physics.

The recognition of Cai and Lu underscores the ongoing advancements in condensed matter physics and the promising future of quantum technologies, particularly as researchers explore the implications of the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect. Their work not only contributes to the scientific community but also holds potential for practical applications that could transform the landscape of computing.