Xi Chen, new senior researcher at the Novel Platforms and Nano-Devices for Quantum Simulation and Computation group

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Xi Chen is a new senior researcher at the Material Science Institute of Madrid (ICMM-CSIC). He just joined the Novel Platforms and Nano-Devices for Quantum Simulation and Computation group. He has been a Ramón y Cajal researcher at UPV/EHU until he took the position at ICMM-CSIC.

Where You Come From?

I am originally from Shanghai, China, and received my Ph.D. degree in 2007. Later, I became a lecturer and was promoted to an associate professor at Shanghai University, where I worked from 2007-2009. In 2009, I was awarded a Juan de la Cierva fellowship and worked in the QuInST group of Prof. J. Gonzalo Muga at UPV-EHU, Spain. With such excellent experience, I returned to Shanghai in 2013 with the Shanghai Distinguished Eastern Scholar Professorship. Since 2019, I have been a Ramon y Cajal researcher at UPV/EHU until I take the position at ICMM-CSIC.

What Have You Worked on So Far?

Since my Ph.D., I have worked on various aspects of mesoscopic physics and quantum control. My early research included discovering significant electron-optical phenomena such as Bragg-like reflection, zero-average wave number gap, and electron waveguide in graphene. Later, at UPV-EHU, I developed the emerging field of shortcuts to adiabaticity, with various applications in quantum optics, atomic physics, and quantum computing/algorithms.

What Will You Work On? With Whom?

I will continue focusing on the application of shortcuts to adiabaticity to enhance adiabatic quantum simulation and computing, and improve quantum sensing by integrating advanced quantum machine learning techniques. This research, particularly in solid-state platforms including semiconductor quantum dots, superconducting qubits, and NV center spins, will be conducted in collaboration within the group of “Novel Platforms and Nano-Devices for Quantum Simulation and Computation”, led by Prof. Gloria Platero.

Why did you choose ICMM?

The ICMM is renowned for its cutting-edge research in material science and physics. The collaborative environment and the institute's commitment to interdisciplinary research provide an excellent platform for advancing my work in quantum control and quantum computing. The ICMM’s resources and expertise align perfectly with my research goals.

And a Personal Touch: Any Hobbies? What Would You Like to Contribute to the Institute?:

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy hiking and popular music. At the institute, I aim to foster a collaborative and innovative research environment. I look forward to contributing by mentoring young scientists and developing interdisciplinary research projects that can bridge different areas of physical material science, and quantum science and technologies as well.