Welcome to the
Minnich Group
Our group develops microwave and millimeter-wave instrumentation for applications in radio astronomy and quantum information science. We work at the intersection of engineering, materials science, and physics.
Group News
Latest publications
Happenings
Adrian and Erika contribute to paper on an imaginary time evolution algorithm for quantum computers. Nov. 17, 2019
Peishi publishes paper on thermal transport properties in polythiophene. Sept. 17, 2019
Yang publishes paper on electronic structure of nickel oxide and manganese oxide using coupled cluster theory. Apr. 27, 2020
Austin's work on anharmonic localization in lead selenide published as an APS science highlight here.
Feb. 18, 2020
Jaeyun successfully defends his thesis!
Congratulations Dr. Moon!
Dec. 11, 2019
Research
Answering fundamental questions in physics and cosmology requires precision in measurement at or beyond the standard limits imposed by quantum mechanics. Our group’s overarching goal is to advance the science and technology of measurement that allows these questions to be answered.
Low noise transistor microwave amplifiers
We are developing transistor microwave amplifiers used in radio astronomy and other fields that operate near the standard quantum limit of noise. Read more here.
Electronic structure and transport theory in materials
We are advancing and applying ab-initio methods to understand the microscopic origins of noise in solids as well as identify materials for measurement technologies. Read more here.
Quantum simulation and sensing
We are exploring how emerging devices that manipulate quantum information can be used for quantum simulation and sensing. Read more here.
Principal Investigator
Austin J. Minnich
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics
Professional Preparation
BS University of California Berkeley, 2006
MS Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2008
PhD Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2011
Appointments
Professor, California Institute of Technology, 2017-Present
Assistant Professor, California Institute of Technology, 2011-2017
Click here for a copy of Austin's CV
Current group members
shi-ning sun
BS, University of ChicagoResearch interests: Quantum simulation, quantum algorithms
Joined group: 2019
tomi esho
BS, University of Texas at ArlingtonResearch interests: Electronic fluctuations, low-noise amplifiers.
Joined group: 2019
ben hatanpää
BS, Georgia TechResearch interests: Excited states in correlated solids, coupled cluster method.
Joined group: 2019
adrian tan
BS, National University of SingaporeResearch interests:
Quantum dynamics, tensor networks.
Joined group: 2018
nachiket naik
BS, Georgia TechResearch interests:
Electronic fluctuations, low-noise amplifiers.
Joined group: 2018
alex choi
BSE, University of ConnecticutResearch interests:
Electronic fluctuations, Langevin dynamics, low-noise amplifiers.
Joined group: 2017
peishi cheng
BS, University of FloridaResearch interests:
Transport in molecular crystals from first principles.
Joined group: 2016
yang gao
BS, University of Science and Technology of ChinaResearch interests:
Excited states in correlated solids, coupled cluster method.
Joined group: 2017
erika ye
BS, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyResearch interests:
Quantum dynamics, tensor networks.
Joined group: 2016
zoila jurado
BS, University of ConnecticutResearch interests:
Cell-free expression, synthetic cells, trans-membrane channels.
Joined group: 2016
taeyong kim
BS, Yonsei UniversityResearch interests:
Phonon transport, transient grating spectroscopy.
Joined group: 2015
Click here to see our group alumni.
Teaching
APh 250/ME 201: Microwave noise in semiconductor electronic devices
Course description: What do radio telescopes, quantum computers, and deep space communication have in common? The transistor microwave amplifier! Low noise amplifiers are a key technology that allow weak signals to be processed and analyzed. The noise above the standard quantum limit added by these amplifiers thus represents a basic limit to the accuracy of a measurement.
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the physical origin of noise mechanisms in transistor amplifiers and how they may be mitigated. Specific topics to be covered include:
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Mathematical description of stochastic processes and fundamental noise sources
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Equivalent circuit noise model of field-effect and bipolar junction transistors
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Non-equilibrium noise mechanisms including hot electron noise
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of circuits and semiconductor physics.
If interested, contact instructor for more details or register on REGIS!
For previously taught courses, click here.
Week 1 Class Notes: