The Center for Quantum Science is involved in research on a broad range of topics in condensed matter, atomic, and optical physics.

The discovery of the Bose-Einstein condensation has unified condensed matter and atomic physics creating new frontiers in quantum physics. This union has fostered interdisciplinary research which is tied to quantum information and quantum computing. Additionally, the discovery of new materials such as graphene has brought new excitement to the area of nanoscience which is in the heart of computer technology. Much attention is given to the general area of strongly correlated many-body condensed matter systems with implications on the fields of superconductivity and magnetism. Superconductivity continues to be a fascinating area of research with discovery of new superconductors emerging at increased pressures, the new iron-based superconductors, and intercalated graphites. Recent advances in electromagnetic wave interactions with matter led to the so-called left-handed materials that display negative refractive index. Other areas of center activity in condensed matter include the study of electronic properties of quantum dots and transport using the spin of the electron as the carrier (spintronics).

Driven and inspired by the emergence of these new frontiers of quantum physics, George Mason is undertaking a challenging and exciting step to expand its research program in quantum physics. With a strong commitment from our administration and external research funding, we are hiring new faculty at both the junior and the senior levels. We hope to attract world leaders in the frontiers of quantum physics which will make George Mason University more vibrant and competitive in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The current members of the Quantum Center are pursuing research along the lines given on the web page listing Center members. However, it is well-appreciated that new faculty will be pursuing research in other new developing areas of quantum physics that go well beyond these specific areas, and depend on newly emerging discoveries.