About the Sun Group

We are grateful for funding for our research from these agencies

Our group explores light-matter interactions at the fundamental quantum limit, where single atoms can strongly interact with single photons. We realize this capability by design and fabrication of nanophotonic structures that confine photons at an extremely small volume, which are then coupled to solid-state artificial atoms such as quantum dots and atomic defect centers. In addition to the interest of understanding fundamental physics through the generation of exotic light-matter interactions, we aim to apply the quantum light-matter interface for quantum information applications, including nonclassical light generation, entanglement distribution, and optical quantum information processing. We are also interested in developing new noise spectroscopy and quantum control techniques for applications in noise mitigation and quantum sensing.

Research Areas

In the Spotlight

Thi Hoang at CLEO
: JILA Graduate Student Thi Hoang Triumphs at Inaugural Quantum Science Slam at CLEO 2025

In a thrilling display of scientific communication and creativity, Thi Hoang, a graduate student at JILA, emerged victorious at the inaugural Quantum Science Slam held during the CLEO 2025 conference. This new event, designed to bring cutting-edge science to life for a broader audience, saw participants deliver engaging and entertaining 10-minute presentations on their research.

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JILA Associate Fellow Shuo Sun
: JILA Associate Fellow and CU Boulder Physics Assistant Professor Shuo Sun Receives NSF CAREER Award for Quantum Internet Research

Shuo Sun, Associate Fellow at JILA and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder has been awarded a prestigious NSF CAREER Award for his research proposal, “Developing a High-Dimensional Photonic Quantum Register for the Quantum Internet.”

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The group photo taken at the Quantum Light Conference hosted by JILA in July 2024
: JILA Hosts the Inaugural Workshop on Quantum Light Generation, Detection, and Applications

JILA, a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hosted its inaugural workshop on recent technological and research advancements in quantum light from July 17 to 19, 2024. The conference was sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded JILA Physics Frontier Center (PFC), the CUbit Quantum Initiative, and laser company Toptica. 

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JILA Associate Fellow Shuo Sun
: JILA Fellow Shuo Sun Becomes A Science Advisor for Colorado Quantum Startup

JILA Fellow and University of Colorado Boulder professor Shuo Sun recently became the science advisor for Boulder-based quantum technology company Icarus Quantum. Since its inception in 2020, Icarus Quantum has focused on developing on-demand single- and entangled-photon generators for the future… Read more >

JILA Address

We are located at JILA: A joint institute of NIST and the University of Colorado Boulder.

Map | JILA Phone: 303-492-7789 | Address: 440 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309