Quantum

High time

Hanna Nordwall — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:06:53 +0000

High time Hanna Nordwall Tue, 05/19/2026 - 15:06 Charles Ferrer

Scott Diddams
Professor and Lead Researcher

CU ��Ĵ�ý faculty and alumni are pushing quantum science to new heights — literally

A team of scientists is attempting something no one has done before: Measuring Earth’s gravity at 14,000 feet using one of the most accurate clocks ever built.

Optical atomic clocks are instruments so precise they can detect tiny differences in the flow of time caused by Earth’s gravity.

“One of the most exciting things about quantum right now is that we’re finally moving from lab experiments to real-world environments,” said Scott Diddams, professor of electrical, computer and energy engineering and a lead researcher on the project. “We’re taking the best clock devices and testing them in entirely new ways.”

A portable optical atomic clock was transported this summer to the peak of Mt. Blue Sky — one of Colorado’s famed Fourteeners. Diddams and his colleagues then started to compare the time to another clock 9,000 feet below in ��Ĵ�ý through a one-of-a-kind free-space and fiber optic laser link.

Their ultimate goal: Make the most precise determination of whether a clock at higher elevations ticks at a faster rate than ones closer to Earth. If so, comparing how time flows between two elevations can unlock how we better understand our planet.

“This is about understanding the earth.”

Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity tells us that time will pass more slowly under the influence of gravity, known as the gravitational redshift.

The Mt. Blue Sky collaboration includes Diddams, NIST physicist Andrew Ludlow (PhDPhys’08); NIST physicist Laura Sinclair (PhDPhys’11), who enabled the frequency comb time transfer; and NOAA geodesist Derek van Westrum (PhDPhys’98), who provided millimeter-level benchmark measurements.

Quantum impacts

Here are just a few of the ways quantum sensing could help us understand our globe:

Tracking water movement: Changes in groundwater alter the mass beneath Earth’s surface and its gravitational potential. Precise gravity measurements could allow scientists to detect water flow for improved flood monitoring.
Sensing Earth’s surface: Earthquakes redistribute land mass, creating tiny shifts in gravity. Atomic clocks may detect changes, offering new insight into tectonic activity.
Watching magma rise: As magma accumulates beneath a volcano, the increased mass changes local gravity. Clock-based sensing could provide a clear picture of subsurface dynamics.

What makes this endeavor remarkable is that we’re seeing how atoms inside an optical clock can reveal the gravitational pull on Earth — bridging the micro and the macro worlds.

“There’s not a lot of precedent for making measurements at this level,” said Ludlow, who developed the portable optical clock. “Then we’re adding into the mix that one of the clocks has to be up on a mountain top exposed to some harsh conditions.”

These optical clocks can measure changes in the Earth’s gravity down to just one centimeter in elevation, important in telling us where water flows, how land shifts and how the Earth responds to natural forces. Right now, that one-centimeter precision corresponds to measuring time at the 18th decimal point.

Although the team’s first trip to the Fourteener mainly tested whether the technology could survive the harsh mountain conditions — and it did — the researchers also successfully linked the Mt. Blue Sky clock to its twin in ��Ĵ�ý.

Next year, they will continue capturing detailed time comparisons at these extreme elevations, hoping to operate at the same precision as in the lab.

“This is about understanding the Earth,” Diddams said. “If we’re able to tell where water flows or what’s going on under the surface when we can’t directly see it, that’s something quite exciting. This can ultimately impact lives and property.”

While it may be obvious in Colorado that Mt. Blue Sky stands higher than Denver, Diddams noted that the position of the highest ground is much more challenging to determine precisely in flat coastal regions over long distances. A shift of even a few centimeters in elevation can determine whether floodwaters move toward communities or away from one.

“These clock-based tools can open up how we use powerful quantum-based measurements,” Diddams said. “We don’t know exactly what that’s going to yield, but we think it will give us new ways to measure the shape of the Earth.”

CU ��Ĵ�ý faculty and alumni are pushing quantum science to new heights — literally

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News & Noteworthy

Hanna Nordwall — Fri, 15 May 2026 20:44:46 +0000

News & Noteworthy Hanna Nordwall Fri, 05/15/2026 - 14:44

CU Engineering hosts NAE Quantum & Space Symposium

CU ��Ĵ�ý’s College of Engineering and Applied Science hosted the National Academy of Engineering’s Regional Meeting & Symposium, which focused on the convergence of quantum technologies and space applications. Participants discussed technical pathways for space deployment, implications for satellite architectures and national security applications and shared insights on accelerating the transition from laboratory prototypes to mission-ready systems. The program leveraged Colorado’s interconnected ecosystem of academic quantum and aerospace research, national laboratories, and commercial quantum, space and technology partners to facilitate technical exchange across academia, government and industry on this emerging frontier.

Clockwise from top: NAE Symposium hosts and special guests, from left, Hanspeter Schaub, Scott Diddams, Dana Anderson, Tsu-Jae Liu and Keith Molenaar; CU ��Ĵ�ý Chancellor Justin Schwartz greets an attendee; aerospace PhD student Zack Funke explains his research during the poster session.

Scott Diddams

Diddams, Schaub elected to NAE

Hanspeter Schaub

Two CU Engineering faculty members were elected to the 2025 class of the National Academy of Engineering.

Scott Diddams is a professor and Robert H. Davis Endowed Chair in Discovery Learning in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering. He is also affiliated with the Department of Physics and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions in optical frequency combs and their applications.

Hanspeter Schaub is a distinguished professor and chair of the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. A leader in the field of astrodynamics and spacecraft control, his research has advanced theoretical and practical understanding of spacecraft operations.

Diddams and Schaub were among 128 new U.S. members and 21 international members in the class of 2025.

Degrees launched in AI, sustainable engineering

CU Engineering has launched two master’s programs designed to meet industry demand in key areas of national importance.

A Master of Science in artificial intelligence is now available both online and in-person (starting fall 2027), making CU ��Ĵ�ý one of only a handful of universities offering a master’s degree in AI. The core curriculum addresses a breadth of areas central to AI engineering expertise, including machine learning, statistical learning, natural language processing and ethics.

The Master of Science in sustainable engineering represents a new model of cross-college collaboration at CU ��Ĵ�ý, uniting expertise from business, engineering and the natural sciences to prepare students for the global demand for sustainability jobs. The nine-month program features an integrated 15-credit core with students from CU ��Ĵ�ý’s MS in Sustainable Business, as well as engineering-focused electives and a capstone project with real-world partners in industry or government.

Astronaut Candidate and U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erin Overcash. Photo credit: NASA

Alum tapped as NASA astronaut candidate

In September, Erin Overcash (AeroEngr'14, MS'17) reported for duty as part of NASA's 2025 astronaut candidate class. In addition to her CU ��Ĵ�ý degrees, she attended U.S. Navy flight school and has logged more than 1,300 hours of flight in a variety of aircraft, according to her astronaut profile.

During her time at CU ��Ĵ�ý, Overcash competed in track and field in the pentathlon, hurdles and high jump, among other events. She went on to train with the USA Rugby Women's National Team and has also competed in Ironman Triathlon events.

Marcus Holzinger
Hatfield Endowed Professor

Professorship established in space policy & law

CU ��Ĵ�ý donors Dale and Patricia Hatfield have given $2.5 million to establish the Hatfield Endowed Professorship in Space Policy & Law.

Underscoring the university’s commitment to leadership in this fast-evolving field, the professorship will drive teaching and research on space policy and law, with broad implications for national security, global communications, navigation, weather forecasting and international collaboration.

This interdisciplinary position will rotate every two years between the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the Leeds School of Business and Silicon Flatirons, supporting faculty whose teaching and research advance this work. Professor Marcus J. Holzinger of the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences is the inaugural Hatfield Endowed Professor, bringing expertise in space policy, domain awareness, development and strategy.

New book addresses engineering student wellness

As Counseling and Psychiatric Services therapists embedded in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Audrey Gilfillan and Alison West have more than eight years of combined experience supporting engineering students.

They recently harnessed that experience to co-author Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions, which tackles common challenges faced by engineering students, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, self-criticism, loneliness, emotional suppression, rumination and uncertainty.

“Engineers have inspired us to rethink how we approach mental health — but the content itself offers value to many people, not just engineers,” West said. “Anyone who sees the world through an analytical, logical lens can gain value from this book.”

Jay Arehart
Assistant Teaching Professor

Symposium tackles embodied carbon reduction practices and materials

CU ��Ĵ�ý’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the Structural Engineering Institute co-hosted a summer symposium focused on advancing the structural engineering profession toward zero carbon.

The event, which drew 166 participants from 65 companies, marked an industry-wide step toward cutting emissions tied to building materials like steel and concrete, said faculty member and event organizer Jay Arehart.

The event explored design practices and materials that reduce embodied carbon — the greenhouse gases emitted during the production, transport and disposal of building materials. Arehart said he believed it was the largest gathering to date of structural engineers focused on embodied carbon reductions.

CU President Todd Saliman, left, with Amy Moreno-Sherwood

Inclusivity champion wins CU System award

Amy Moreno-Sherwood, senior director of the Campos Student Center (formerly the BOLD Center), was the recipient of the 2025 President’s Inclusive Excellence Award. The award is one of the university’s highest honors for individuals who go above and beyond to build inclusive and empowering communities.

Dean Keith Molenaar said Moreno-Sherwood’s unwavering commitment has profoundly impacted the college community. “Amy’s leadership of the Campos Student Center has elevated efforts to support engineering students of all backgrounds,” Molenaar said.

“Amy’s dedication and innovative approach are truly inspiring. Her recognition with the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award is a testament to her exceptional contributions.”

Learn what events and innovations have been taking place in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

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Tiny new device could enable giant future quantum computers

Charles Ferrer — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:41:02 +0000

Tiny new device could enable giant future quantum computers Charles Ferrer Thu, 12/11/2025 - 11:41

Researchers have developed a device that can precisely control laser light using a fraction of the power and space required today. Because it can be manufactured just like modern microchips, this tiny device could unlock quantum computers capable of solving problems far beyond the reach of today’s technologies.

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CU ��Ĵ�ý ranked No. 1 for launching startups based on university discoveries

Michelle Wiese — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:15:14 +0000

CU ��Ĵ�ý ranked No. 1 for launching startups based on university discoveries Michelle Wiese Mon, 10/27/2025 - 09:15

The ��Ĵ�ý reached a historic milestone, launching 35 new companies based on university intellectual property during fiscal year 2024, more than any other U.S. campus that year. In addition to holding the No. 1 spot for that year, the achievement also places CU ��Ĵ�ý No. 2 for the most startups launched in a single year by a U.S. campus.

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Matt Eichenfield named inaugural Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair of Quantum Engineering

Charles Ferrer — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:42:59 +0000

Matt Eichenfield named inaugural Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair of Quantum Engineering Charles Ferrer Thu, 09/25/2025 - 11:42

Award-winning physicist Matt Eichenfield has been named the inaugural Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair of Quantum Engineering in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at CU ��Ĵ�ý.

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14er science: Quantum physicists measure whether time moves faster on a mountaintop

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:23:15 +0000

14er science: Quantum physicists measure whether time moves faster on a mountaintop Charles Ferrer Wed, 09/24/2025 - 10:23

Researchers from CU ��Ĵ�ý are tackling one of the biggest challenges in quantum today: after years of scientific advancement, can we take quantum technology out of the lab and into the real and unforgiving world?

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From quantum physics to quantitative finance

Emily Adams — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:45:43 +0000

From quantum physics to quantitative finance Emily Adams Tue, 09/23/2025 - 08:45

To alumnus Gal Weitz (EngrPhys, ApMath’22), ��Ĵ�ý was a “dream destination” for undergrad. Now working in quantitative finance, Weitz shares how his education at CU ��Ĵ�ý set him up for success in the finance world.

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Andras Gyenis receives CAREER award to develop next-generation quantum processors

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:30:02 +0000

Andras Gyenis receives CAREER award to develop next-generation quantum processors Charles Ferrer Wed, 06/25/2025 - 10:30

Andras Gyenis, assistant professor of electrical engineering, has earned a CAREER award through the National Science Foundation to design and build more robust superconducting qubits that could push the boundaries of quantum hardware.

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Forging the future

Hanna Nordwall — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:38:33 +0000

Forging the future Hanna Nordwall Fri, 06/06/2025 - 13:38

Caroline Harrah

New facility will help take quantum from theory to real-world impact

CU ��Ĵ�ý is leading a first-of-its-kind National Quantum Nanofab (NQN) — a $20 million facility that will provide researchers from universities, government and industry with tools to fabricate and test groundbreaking quantum devices.

Expected to open in spring 2029, it has the potential to dramatically revolutionize industries such as healthcare, climate science and communications.

“The most exciting aspect of this initiative is its potential to impact quantum science and engineering on a national scale,” said Aju Jugessur, who will lead infrastructure and instrumentation for NQN. “The NQN will provide the tools and expertise necessary to transform cutting-edge research into practical technologies.”

Supporting Colorado’s quantum economy

CU ��Ĵ�ý’s leadership in quantum science is built on decades of Nobel Prize-winning research and propelled by initiatives like Q-Sense (quantum sensing), CUbit (quantum computing) and the Quantum Engineering Initiative (interdisciplinary research and education). These efforts are reinforced by partnerships with national labs, industry and other academic institutions.

By the numbers

Located on the east side of the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Labs building at Colorado Avenue and Foothills Parkway, the NQN facility will house:

2,900-square-foot ISO 5/6 clean room
600-square-foot mechanical room
30 of the most advanced processing tools available

The NQN will build on this foundation by providing tools to help drive advancements in powerful computing systems, precise atomic clocks and sensors capable of detecting electric, magnetic and gravitational fields.

Aju Jugessur

NQN is expected to play a pivotal role in Colorado’s designation as a national quantum hub under the Elevate Quantum initiative, which includes multimillion-dollar investments in workforce development and technology commercialization.

“By supporting startups and providing access to state-of-the-art resources, this facility will bolster the local quantum economy and drive technological innovation, further solidifying Colorado’s position in the global quantum economy,” Jugessur said.

Preparing the quantum workforce

NQN will also play a role in training next-generation scientists and engineers. CU ��Ĵ�ý intends to develop undergraduate and graduate courses in quantum device fabrication, providing students with hands-on experience using advanced tools and processes.

These programs will teach skills essential to quantum science and engineering and transferable to industries such as semiconductors, energy and biomedical technology. By addressing workforce needs in advanced manufacturing, NQN will support national priorities like the CHIPS Act, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.

New $20 million facility will help take quantum technology from theoretical to real-world tools.

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Shaping the future of quantum systems

Susan Glairon — Fri, 09 May 2025 11:53:41 +0000

Shaping the future of quantum systems Susan Glairon Fri, 05/09/2025 - 05:53

Susan Glairon

Ramin Ayanzadeh's research focuses on trustworthy quantum computing to enhance the reliability and security of quantum systems.

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Quantum

High time

Quantum impacts

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News & Noteworthy

CU Engineering hosts NAE Quantum & Space Symposium

Diddams, Schaub elected to NAE

Degrees launched in AI, sustainable engineering

Alum tapped as NASA astronaut candidate

Professorship established in space policy & law

New book addresses engineering student wellness

Symposium tackles embodied carbon reduction practices and materials

Inclusivity champion wins CU System award

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Tiny new device could enable giant future quantum computers

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CU ���Ĵ�ý ranked No. 1 for launching startups based on university discoveries

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Matt Eichenfield named inaugural Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair of Quantum Engineering

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14er science: Quantum physicists measure whether time moves faster on a mountaintop

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From quantum physics to quantitative finance

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Andras Gyenis receives CAREER award to develop next-generation quantum processors

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Forging the future

Supporting Colorado’s quantum economy

By the numbers

Preparing the quantum workforce

Off

Shaping the future of quantum systems

Off

CU ��Ĵ�ý ranked No. 1 for launching startups based on university discoveries