New faculty member aims to build quantum processors

Leading the Quantum Innovation (QuIN) laboratory at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), Na Young Kim aims to build large-scale quantum processors based on novel materials and advanced technologies.

Kim received a BS in Physics from Seoul National University and studied mesoscopic transport properties in low-dimensional architectures while pursuing her graduate studies in the Department of Applied Physics at Stanford University. She expanded her focus to quantum optics and nanophotonics for her postgraduate research.

Prior to IQC, Kim worked on the development of small display products at Apple Inc. She enjoyed delivering beloved products to world-wide consumers, but now relishes the opportunity to implement her ideas in academia.

Since moving into the Research Advancement Centre (RAC) in 2016, Kim has become involved in two projects. The semiconductor quantum processors project establishes controllable optical and electrical domains to learn the insights of exotic materials and fundamental nature of symmetries. The multi-functional classical and quantum device arrays project establishes a planar architecture comprising of nano-scale devices with electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical functionality.

“I look forward to working at IQC because it is known as one of the top quantum institutions in the world,” said Kim. “The ability to share with colleagues and receive support from faculty is instrumental to my work.”