UW ECE and Physics Professor Kai-Mei Fu has been elected an APS Fellow for research that has applications in quantum computing, quantum networks, and sensing technologies. Photo by Ryan Hoover / UW ECE
Kai-Mei Fu, the Virginia and Prentice Bloedel Professor of Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Washington, has been elected an American Physical Society Fellow. Fu was recently elected to the APS Division of Quantum Information Fellowship for foundational contributions to fundamental and applied research on the optical and spin properties of quantum point defects in crystals. Fu was also recognized for their service and leadership in the quantum community.
Fu directs the Quantum Defect Laboratory at the UW, where their research focuses on identifying and controlling the quantum properties of point defects in crystals, which have a wide array of applications in quantum computing, quantum networks, and sensing technologies. Fu is also the director of the University’s NSF National Research Training program: Accelerating Quantum-Enabled Technologies and is co-chair of the University’s interdisciplinary QuantumX Steering Committee. They are the deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Quantum Initiative Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage, and they hold a joint appointment with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Among other notable accomplishments, Fu has been instrumental in leading the establishment of the UW Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science and Engineering at the University. In addition to the APS Fellowship, Fu has received several other awards and honors for their work in research and education, including an NSF CAREER Award, a Cottrell Scholar Award and a UW College of Engineering Junior Faculty Award.
The APS recognizes its members for their outstanding efforts to advance physics and becoming an APS Fellow is considered to be a great honor. Each year, no more than one half of one percent of APS membership are elected as Fellows. The APS only elects members to Fellowship who have contributed to the advancement of physics by independent, original research or who have rendered other special service to the cause of the sciences.
More information about Professor Kai-Mei Fu can be found on their UW ECE bio page.