Quantum Education

There are many opportunities to learn about quantum technologies at WSU. While there are many popular explanations of quantum phenomena, to truly appreciate the quantum nature of the world requires some mathematical sophistication. The foundation is linear algebra: if you have a strong background here – unitary matrices, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, singular value decomposition (SVD) etc. – then you can essentially and accurately understand the formulation of the theory, including all of the puzzling phenomena related to superposition, entanglement, measurement, and Schrödinger’s cat. This is the basis for Physics 455/555 Quantum Technologies and Computation which provides an overview for students from all departments of WSU with minimal prerequisites.

To understand the actual physical realization of quantum mechanics, and the technology behind quantum devices, requires a solid background in physics. Here you will learn both theoretical and experimental techniques, gaining the hands-on skill needed to pursue a career in quantum technology and adjacent industries.

Undergraduates from across the country are encouraged to apply to our REU program “Waves in Physics” where you will can engage in cutting-edge quantum research, with both theory and experimental opportunities.

If you are just curious, and not sure yet if you want to commit to taking a course, please send us an email to iQ@wsu.edu.

Outreach

To schedule a tour with one of the labs listed below, please send an email to iQ@wsu.edu.

Undergraduate Student Resources

REU Program

Each summer, the WSU Physics and Astronomy department runs a 10-week research experience for undergraduate students program. Students work on their own research project together with a faculty mentor and a team of graduate students and postdocs within a research group. Projects span four major themes, many with direct connection or strong overlap with quantum research.

  • Phonons and Shockwaves
  • Quantum Wavefunctions
  • Photons in Applied Materials
  • Waves Revealing the Cosmos
Apply Now!
Students white-water rafting.
White-water rafting during the Summer 2021 REU Program.
Student day trip to LIGO facility in Hanford
As part of the REU program, students visit the LIGO facility in Hanford. LIGO uses enhanced quantum sensing as part of a 4km long laser interferometer to “hear” gravitational waves emitted from merging black holes and neutron stars by measuring the resulting strain at a level of 10-21. To put this sensitivity in perspective, the corresponding compression of the 4km interferometer is less than one thousandth of the width of a proton!
Students presenting at the WSU Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium
WSU Summer Research Symposium: Present your poster with 80 other Undergraduate STEM students from interdisciplinary fields across the WSU campus.

Undergraduate Courses

  • Phys. 303: Modern Physics I
  • Phys. 304: Modern Physics II
  • Phys. 320: Mechanics
  • Phys. 330: Thermal Physics
  • Phys. 341/342: Electricity and Magnetism I/II
  • Phys. 415: Quantum Physics Laboratory
  • Phys. 443: Optics
  • Phys. 450: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
  • Phys. 455: Quantum Technologies and Computation
  • Phys. 461: Introduction to Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Phys. 463: Introduction to Solid State and Material Physics
  • Phys. 465: Introductory Nuclear Physics
An elm tree.

Graduate Student Resources

Graduate Courses

  • Phys. 511: Advanced X-ray Characterization
  • Phys. 514/515:  Optoelectronics Lab I/II
  • Phys. 521/522:  Classical Mechanics I/II
  • Phys. 533/534: Thermal and Statistical Physics I/II
  • Phys. 541: Electromagnetic Theory
  • Phys. 542: Electrodynamics
  • Phys. 545: Nonlinear Optics
  • Phys. 546: Quantum Electronics
  • Phys. 550/551/552: Quantum I/II/III
  • Phys. 555: Quantum Technologies and Computation
  • Phys. 561: Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Phys. 563: Physics of Solid State
  • Phys. 571: Methods of Theoretical Physics
  • Phys. 575: Advanced Solid State Physics
An elm tree.