Xin Gui, assistant professor and founder of the Quantum-Gui Lab here at Pitt, is determined to make a successful quantum computer. Gui’s research in quantum chemistry was inspired by his experiences as a graduate and post-doc student.
“I was obsessed with making new materials and discovering their purpose,” Dr. Gui says. “When I did my post-doc training at Princeton, I was collaborating with people in the electrical engineering department, and I found the work fascinating.”
The Gui group focuses on creating new quantum materials, like superconductors and quantum frustrated magnets, that can be used in electronic devices. Quantum computers with these materials are capable of holding much more information and performing heavy calculations compared to the average computer.
“The human mind can only calculate so much, so it is much faster and more efficient to use these devices,” says Dr. Gui. “It is fascinating to see how AI can benefit this work in the future.”
When asked what made him interested in The University of Pittsburgh, Gui responded with admiration of the work researchers were doing in the department.
“There were people here that shared the same passion as me to make a successful quantum computer,” Gui says. “That is what drove me to work at Pitt.”
The Gui group recently used geometrical frustration, a special kind of crystal geometry, to discover two new quantum material systems: M-based M-type hexaferrite ASb3Mn9O19 and superconductor Mo4PtGa17. Both materials can provide a new chemical platform to study how crystal structure can be used to create and control magnetic and electronic quantum states.
“I plan on expanding the group more.” Gui says. “When we find more people who are enthusiastic about this research, I plan on collaborating with them to discover new quantum materials.”
