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Read about the Latest Research From CU PREP

Veronica R Lingo — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:01:50 +0000

Read about the Latest Research From CU PREP Veronica R Lingo Thu, 11/07/2024 - 11:01

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry

The University of Colorado Boulder Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) is a joint program between NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology) and ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. It offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research in various fields. Through collaborating with NIST, participants gain hands-on experience in projects shaping the future of science and technology.

Below are some of the latest research publications featuring PREP students, showcasing their contributions to fields ranging from quantum computing to telecommunications. This is by no means an exhaustive list, as PREP participants continue to publish new findings.

A Deep Dive into Self-Assembled Quantum Dots with Zixuan Wang and Poolad Imany

Participants Zixuan Wang and Poolad Imany, along with NIST researchers, explored tiny particles called quantum dots, which have the potential to revolutionize quantum technologies. Their study, published in Optics Express, focuses on embedding these dots in special soundwave structures to reduce noise—unwanted disruptions that can affect performance. This research is important because it helps make quantum devices, like super-fast computers, more stable and reliable. While Poolad Imany has recently left the PREP program, his contributions alongside Zixuan’s set the stage for future advancements in this field.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/gated-inas-quantum-dots-embedded-surface-acoustic-wave-cavities-low-noise-optomechanics

A New Material with Super Strength for Electronics

Working with NIST scientists, PREP associate Thomas Kolibaba’s research, published recently in ACS Nano Letters, is about creating stronger and safer materials for electronics. He worked on a new kind of material called a polyelectrolyte photopolymer, which can handle extreme electric forces without breaking down. This makes it a great candidate for use in batteries and electrical circuits. Kolibaba’s work could lead to new materials that are more efficient and longer-lasting in electronic applications.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/remarkable-dielectric-breakdown-strength-printable-polyelectrolyte-photopolymer

Making Sense of Data: Improving Signal Processing

Xifeng Lu and NIST experts are helping to improve the way we analyze complex data using digital signal processing. This research, published in IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurements, is essential for things like communications, where it’s important to understand and interpret signals—such as sound waves or radio frequencies—in real time. Xifeng’s work could have major impacts on a range of fields, from improving wireless networks to enhancing the precision of scientific instruments.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/digital-signal-processing-time-series-spectrum-estimation

Tiny Optical Devices That Could Transform Telecom

In collaboration with NIST scientists, PREP participant Jizhao Zang’s research focuses on a new type of optical device called a microcomb, which has the potential to improve technologies like telecommunications and sensors. These microcombs are difficult to produce, but Zang’s study, published in Optics Letters, demonstrates how using advanced manufacturing techniques can make them more accessible and efficient. This research could lead to smaller, more powerful devices in areas like high-speed internet and precision measurement.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/foundry-manufacturing-octave-spanning-microcombs

Cooling Down Quantum Computers with Light

Working with NIST experts, PREP associate Jenny Wu is developing a method for keeping quantum computers cool called Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT). Quantum computers need to be kept at extremely low temperatures to function properly, and Wu’s research involves using light to help with that cooling process. By studying trapped ions (charged particles) and how they behave in different conditions, her work, published in Physical Review A, contributes to making quantum computers more reliable and practical for real-world applications.

Find the full study here at the NIST website:https://www.nist.gov/publications/electromagnetically-induced-transparency-cooling-tripod-structure-hyperfine-trapped-ion

Improving 5G and LTE Networks and Testing Wireless Device Coexistence

PREP participant Nadia Yoza Mitsuishi, along with NIST researchers, is working on how to make 5G and LTE networks—two types of wireless communication systems—work better together. As our world becomes more connected, these networks need to coexist without interfering with each other. Recently published in IEEE International Conference on Communications, Mitsuishi’s research uses software-defined radios to measure how these networks interact, helping engineers design better systems for future wireless communications. Her work could lead to faster and more reliable internet for everyone.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/5g-nr-and-lte-downlink-coexistence-measurements-using-software-defined-radios

Mitsuishi also worked on a separate study with NIST researchers looking at testing how wireless devices can coexist without interfering—a critical issue as our world becomes more connected. In this study, Mitsuishi and the team compared two methods of testing: conducted (where wires physically connect devices) and radiated (where signals are sent through the air). The team showed how these testing methods can reveal different strengths and weaknesses in wireless systems by simulating real-world scenarios, such as a wireless emergency stop system coexisting with Wi-Fi networks.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/coexistence-testing-comparing-conducted-and-radiated-test-results

Better Electronics with 3D-Integrated Materials

PREP participant Tomasz Karpisz’s research with NIST scientists explores new materials that can improve how electronic devices work, especially at very high frequencies. By studying the electrical properties of 3D-integrated layers in glass, Karpisz is helping to create better designs for devices like smartphones, computers, and even quantum computers. His work, recently published in the conference proceedings for the 2024 IEEE/MTT-S International Microwave Symposium, focuses on making sure these materials perform well in advanced technologies, leading to more efficient and powerful electronics.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/characterizing-broadband-rf-permittivity-3d-integrated-layers-glass-wafer-stack-100-mhz

Controlling Tiny Quantum Bits for Better Computers

In collaboration with NIST scientists, PREP associate Justin Niedermeyer is working on improving the way we control quantum bits (qubits)—the basic units of quantum computers. By developing a method to individually address and read the state of each qubit, Niedermeyer’s research, recently published in Physical Review Letters, helps make quantum computers more accurate and easier to scale up. This kind of precise control is key to building larger, more powerful quantum computers that could revolutionize industries like medicine, finance, and cybersecurity.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/individual-addressing-and-state-readout-trapped-ions-utilizing-rf-micromotion

Tiny Switches for the Future of Quantum Computing

PREP associate Elizabeth Sorenson’s work, collaborating with NIST experts, focuses on improving MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) switches, which are used in a variety of applications, including quantum computing. These tiny switches need to be reliable, especially when used in extreme conditions like very low temperatures. Sorenson’s research, published recently as a conference proceeding for the IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, Advances in Cryogenic Engineering helps ensure that these components can handle the demands of future quantum computing systems, making her work a critical step toward creating more dependable technology.

Find the full study here at the NIST website: https://www.nist.gov/publications/characterizing-mems-switch-reliability-cryogenic-applications-such-quantum-computing

Here are some of the latest research publications featuring the work of PREP students!

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NIST Building 1 at the NIST Boulder Campus

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Congratulations to our Summer 2024 CU PREP Graduate

Anonymous — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 19:57:51 +0000

Congratulations to our Summer 2024 CU PREP Graduate Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 08/13/2024 - 13:57

Congratulations to our Summer 2024 CU PREP Graduate!

Hannah Knaack - Ph.D. in Physics

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A Band-Aid for the heart? New 3D printing method makes this, and much more, possible

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:41:10 +0000

A Band-Aid for the heart? New 3D printing method makes this, and much more, possible Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/07/2024 - 13:41

A ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ-led research team—including CU PREP Postdoctoral Associate Thomas Kolibaba and former PREP Research Associate Jason Killgore—has created a new biomaterial that is both strong and flexible, and can be 3D printed for custom biomedical applications.

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CU PREP alum John Mates featured in NIST's Taking Measure Blog

Anonymous — Thu, 30 May 2024 19:34:00 +0000

CU PREP alum John Mates featured in NIST's Taking Measure Blog Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/30/2024 - 13:34

��ý�Ļ��Ʒ and PREP alum John "Ben" Mates' (PhDPhys'11) dissertation is now a hot topic and "required reading for many scientists interested in multiplexing." Mates completed his PhD while conducting research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through CU's Professional Research Experience Program (CU PREP).

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CU PREP office to undergo major renovations

Anonymous — Wed, 22 May 2024 20:24:11 +0000

CU PREP office to undergo major renovations Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/22/2024 - 14:24

The CU PREP Office (DUAN D1B37) is undergoing a major renovation starting May 27, 2024. The renovations will overhaul the space, providing a modernized look and feel to these areas that welcome new students, staff, researchers, faculty, and visitors.

Construction is expected to last through December 2024. Staff from the affected offices are being temporarily relocated to other spaces in the Duane Physics building for the duration of the project.

Here's where you can find us starting May 22, 2024:

DUAN F315

Tiffany Mason – CU PREP Program Coordinator
Lisa Valencia – CU PREP HR/Payroll Liaison

DUAN F533

Jane Hill – CU PREP Program & Travel Services Professional
George Peterman – Immigration & Operations Services Senior Professional

The CU PREP Office (DUAN D1B37) is undergoing major renovations starting May 27, 2024. Here's where you can find staff from the affected offices.

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CU PREP researchers receive notable recognition

Anonymous — Thu, 16 May 2024 22:15:03 +0000

CU PREP researchers receive notable recognition Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 16:15

NIST Boulder Campus (Image credit: R. Jacobson/NIST)

Three ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) researchers were recently recognized along with their research groups at NIST for their outstanding scientific achievements.

“Congratulations to PREP researchers Bakhrom Oripov, Benedikt Hampel, and Saeed Khan for these impressive awards,” said CU PREP Program Manager and Professor Paul Beale. “We’re thrilled to have such remarkable scientists contributing to their fields.”

2023 Applied Physics Letters Rising Stars Collection

Each year, Applied Physics Letters (APL) selects outstanding publications by emerging investigators for inclusion in the APL Rising Stars Collection. This year, two CU PREP participants were recognized in the collection.

Bakhrom Oripov, postdoctoral fellow in the Quantum Nanophotonics Group, was recognized in the 2023 APL Rising Stars Collection for the paper “The thermally-coupled imager: A scalable readout architecture for superconducting nanowire single photon.” Oripov earned his PhD in condensed matter physics from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2020 and has been conducting research at NIST through PREP since 2021.
Benedikt Hampel, postdoctoral fellow in the Faint Photonics Group, was recognized in the 2023 APL Rising Stars Collection for the paper “Trap-Integrated Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors with Improved RF Tolerance for Trapped-Ion Qubit State Readout.” After earning his PhD in electrical engineering from TU Braunschweig, Germany in 2018, Hampel joined PREP as a postdoctoral associate in 2021.

2023 NIST Precision Measurement Lab (PML) Distinguished Associate Award

This award recognizes associates for outstanding contributions to the Precision Measurement Laboratory.

Saeed Khan, senior research fellow in the Quantum Nanophotonics Group, received a 2023 NIST PML Distinguished Associate Award in recognition of his group receiving the 2023 Bronze Medal Award. The award citation read “for the monolithic integration of superconducting single-photon detectors with Josephson junctions for advanced computing and single-photon metrology.” Khan earned his PhD from the University of Central Florida and joined PREP in 2018.

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The Big Quantum Chill: NIST Scientists Modify Common Lab Refrigerator to Cool Faster With Less Energy

Anonymous — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:56:10 +0000

The Big Quantum Chill: NIST Scientists Modify Common Lab Refrigerator to Cool Faster With Less Energy Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 09:56

A team of NIST scientists including PREP researchers Ryan Snodgrass and Vincent Kotsubo have dramatically reduced the time and energy required to chill materials to temperatures near absolute zero. Their prototype refrigerator could prove a boon for the burgeoning quantum industry, which widely uses ultracold materials.

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CU PREP Alumni Highlight: Bryce Primavera

Anonymous — Thu, 02 May 2024 17:28:35 +0000

CU PREP Alumni Highlight: Bryce Primavera Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/02/2024 - 11:28

Kirsten Apodaca

Bryce Primavera’s experience in CU’s Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was instrumental in preparing him for his future career. From starting research through PREP fresh out of undergrad, to completing his PhD, Primavera is now employed as a postdoctoral researcher at NIST. Learn more about his journey, his research focus at NIST, and advice for future PREP students.

Summer research paves the way

Primavera’s experience with PREP began the summer after earning his bachelor’s degree, in the joint Quantum Nanophotonics and Faint Photonics groups at NIST led by Rich Mirin and Sae Woo Nam. His research advisor at NIST was Staff Scientist Jeff Shainline. Primavera started pursuing his PhD in physics at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ, and soon resumed research in the group at NIST as a PREP graduate student in 2019.

Focusing on research

Primavera’s research at NIST focused on superconducting optoelectronic neuromorphic computing. “The field of neuromorphic computing strives to create hardware for artificial intelligence inspired by the neural architecture seen in biological organisms,” explained Primavera.

By emulating how the brain works, this technology will vastly improve the performance and efficiency of artificial intelligence systems. There are many approaches to this, but the method employed by NIST using superconducting single-photon detectors appears capable of creating neural-like networks on a massive scale, while operating much faster than the human brain.

“The superconducting single-photon detectors developed at NIST are promising for creating ultra-low power optical interconnects that could enable massively scalable networks of optoelectronic neurons,” said Primavera.

The majority of Primavera’s PhD research focused specifically on the design and testing of synaptic circuits. He investigated circuits combining single-photon detectors with devices called Josephson Junctions (JJs) which operate similarly to transistors in superconducting electronics.

“NIST is currently one of the only places in the world where single-photon detectors can be fabricated on the same chip as JJs,” said Primavera. “With this capability, we were able to create programmable artificial synapses that could process signals as low as an individual photon.”

‘Instrumental’ preparation leads to postdoc

After completing his PhD in physics in 2023, Primavera accepted a postdoctoral position at NIST, continuing research on circuits combining JJs with single-photon detectors. His focus has expanded from neuromorphic computing to include other applications of the circuits and the fabrication process. “Two of the most exciting areas are using JJs to support the scaling of large arrays of superconducting single-photon detectors and designing circuits to extract additional information from the detector responses.”

“The most valuable aspect of PREP for me has been the interactions with NIST staff,” said Primavera. He credits support and mentorship from his advisor in addition to connections with many other role models at NIST. “PREP provides the opportunity to observe and learn from many different people who have already established successful careers. Such an environment also builds confidence that you too can have a fruitful career in research.”

Through the unique environment at NIST spanning the intersection of academia, government, and industry, Primavera gained an important perspective on potential career paths. “PREP was instrumental in preparing me for my career. I had the opportunity to develop skills as an experimental physicist at a world-class institution surrounded by a terrific group of people,” said Primavera.

Advice for future PREP students

Primavera recommends students considering PREP explore the different research groups and reach out to staff they may be interested in working with. His summer research experience through PREP demonstrated the dynamic nature of research at NIST. “A summer position is a great low-commitment way to try things out,” he said.

About PREP

The Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists.

Bryce Primavera's experience in CU PREP was instrumental in preparing him for his future career. Learn more about his journey, his research focus at NIST, and advice for future PREP students.

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Fall 2023 NIST-PREP Graduates

Anonymous — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:47:00 +0000

Fall 2023 NIST-PREP Graduates Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 01/03/2024 - 10:47

Fall 2023 NIST-PREP Graduates

Congratulations to our Fall 2023 PREP student graduates!

Dahyeon Lee – Ph.D. in Physics
Bryce Primavera – Ph.D. in Physics
Jose Valencia – Ph.D. in Physics

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Test of general relativity predictions atop Rocky Mountains involves CU PREP students

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:17:21 +0000

Test of general relativity predictions atop Rocky Mountains involves CU PREP students Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 12/07/2023 - 09:17

CU PREP graduate students Wesley Brand, Tristan Rojo, and Eric Swiler from Andrew Ludlow's group are collaborating on a research project to advance geodesy and gravitational sensing. The team will measure tiny changes in the flow of time caused by differences in Earth's gravitational field at different altitudes.

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