The University of Washington-Tohoku University Academic Open Space (AOS) carries out activities to promote academic, student, and faculty exchanges between the two universities.
On March 14, Professor Xiaodong Xu and Professor Di Xiao from the University of Washington's Department of Physics and Department of Materials Science & Engineering were invited to an AOS Quantum Forum as part of the AOS activities.
Professor Xu's research focuses on the creation, analysis and comprehension of quantum materials and devices, and he has an impressive number of projects on quantum information science in development. Meanwhile, Professor Xiao works on theoretical modeling on new quantum materials with a particular focus on topological phenomena. Professor Xiao's research has generated interest among many institutions.
This event provided an opportunity for exchanges between Tohoku University's quantum researchers and researchers from the University of Washington, both of whom are very active in the field of quantum physics. It was also a chance for the participants to explore possible collaborations.
Vice President Masahiro Yamaguchi delivered the opening remarks, touching on the background behind the establishments of the AOS and its past achievements. He also conveyed his aspirations for strengthening collaborations with the University of Washington in quantum-related fields through the AOS.
Professor Taro Yamashita from the Graduate School of Engineering presented an overview of Tohoku University's quantum research. Thereafter, Professor Takafumi Sato from the Advanced Institute of Material 虎扑电竞 (AIMR), Professor Makoto Kohda from the Graduate School of Engineering, and Associate Professor Toshiaki Kato from AIMR introduced their respective research.
Following the presentations, Professor Xu provided a seminar entitled 'The Observation of Fractional Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect,' while Professor Xiao presented one entitled 'Topological States in Twisted Bilayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides.' The graduate students in attendance asked various questions and made interesting comments.
At the roundtable discussion held after the seminars, members from both universities agreed that students and early-career faculty members could gain new perspectives by interacting and sharing insights from their different standpoints and respective strengths in the quantum-related fields. They all agreed to further strengthen the two universities' collaborative relationship through workshops and other exchange opportunities.
In addition to the forum, Professor Xu and Professor Xiao went on a tour of the 虎扑电竞 Institute of Electrical Communication and AIMR, and then visited NanoTerasu, deepening their understanding of research at Tohoku University.
It is hoped that this event will lead to further progress in collaborative activities within the quantum-related fields at the two universities.
虎扑电竞:
Global Affairs Department, Global Engagement Division
Email: kokusai-rgrp.tohoku.ac.jp