Introduction
My name is Teng Zhang, and I am from China. I am a research scientist specializing in quantum physics. As children, many of us dream of becoming scientists at some point. You’ve probably wondered why stars twinkle or why rainbows have different colors. Since I was a kid, I’ve always been the person asking "why." How about you?
I chose physics as my college major and dedicated my undergraduate years to it. It not only provided me with invaluable knowledge but also fueled my passion to pursue advanced opportunities in the field. I decided to pursue graduate studies in the United States, the global hub for physical sciences.
I came to the U.S. 11 years ago and attended graduate school at Penn State. Graduate school exposed me to various subfields of physics, including astrophysics, which studies stars, galaxies, and extraterrestrial life, and high-energy physics, which investigates fundamental particles using accelerators. Among these fascinating topics, I chose atomic physics as my research field.
Atomic physics has a long history, beginning with the birth of quantum mechanics in the 1920s and reaching new heights in the 1990s with the invention of laser cooling. My research focuses on using lasers to study the fundamental properties of atoms. Yes, atoms—the building blocks of everything. So, instead of trusting them, we study them. The best way to study atoms is to shine some light on them—literally—with lasers.
After years of research in graduate school, I transitioned into a career in the quantum physics industry. Quantum technologies have advanced rapidly in recent years, creating a growing demand for expertise in this field. The industry needs talent that not only understands fundamental principles but can also translate them into practical, everyday technologies. My graduate school experience equipped me with many of the essential skills needed, which paved the way for securing my current position.
Physics Fellow
career options
Physics is a diverse and rapidly evolving field, spanning multiple tech sectors, including laser science, semiconductors, biophysics, and computational science. As a physics research scientist, you have the opportunity to explore a variety of career paths, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards.
Physics Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Quantum physics is expressed in the language of matrices, which have different rules than the ordinary numbers we encounter in everyday life. It is essential to understand the basics of matrices to use them effectively. Although I learned matrix algebra in my first year of college, I initially viewed it as just a set of rules for manipulating numbers. I didn't fully appreciate its importance and beauty until later years, when I applied these concepts in real projects.
Differential equations are the foundation of quantum calculations. Scientists use them in various fields, including weather prediction and planetary movements. Understanding differential equations is essential for studying quantum physics. I first encountered them in my math classes during the later years of college. Soon after, I began writing computer programs to solve physics problems, and that’s when things got exciting. Computers can solve differential equations more efficiently than humans can, although they struggle with performing actual differentiation. You have a powerful tool at your disposal—your computer—but you need to understand the principles behind it (the math of differential equations) to use it effectively.
Quantum mechanics is to modern physical science what Newtonian physics was to the 18th-century Industrial Revolution. Although it may seem counterintuitive at first glance, it reveals the nature of all microscopic particles. Almost all aspects of technology—from the semiconductors in your Nvidia graphics cards to the NMR imaging devices in hospitals—rely on quantum mechanics. I encountered quantum mechanics in my final year of college, and it was initially challenging to comprehend because it deals with a microscopic world that we cannot directly observe in our daily lives. However, with time, it becomes more intuitive. Don’t panic; think of it as learning a new language. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Clear and effective communication skills are essential for research scientists when interacting with fellow scientists and, more importantly, with those who may not be familiar with the subject. As the saying goes, "You don’t understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother." In practice, we use various illustrative tools, such as curves and graphs, to support our points. In my current job, we have a large team that includes both scientists and non-technical staff. You can't expect everyone to have the same level of understanding, so knowing how to communicate effectively is crucial. For instance, if you want to purchase a laser system, your procurement manager may not know much about lasers. Rather than saying that Laser 1, which uses semiconductors, is better than Laser 2, which uses free electrons, you could explain that Laser 1 is more cost-effective because it produces the same amount of power at half the price. Effective communication can help avoid confusion and significantly enhance the team's performance.
Collaboration is essential for scientists, who often work closely with other professionals, such as engineers, technicians, and students. Effective teamwork involves sharing information, providing feedback, and coordinating plans. Often, it’s difficult or even impossible to accomplish all the work alone, and some tasks can be completed concurrently. In a research lab, scientists typically divide tasks among themselves. For example, one scientist might run theoretical calculations while colleagues gather experimental data. Comparing and cross-checking each other's work at the end is also a vital step in drawing conclusions.
Scientists encounter a variety of challenges throughout the research process. Strong problem-solving skills are essential for analyzing data, interpreting results, and identifying the root causes of emerging problems. As you and your team grow, so will the scale of your projects. The larger the project becomes, the easier it is for things to go wrong. Quickly identifying and addressing these issues will become increasingly important. Additionally, effectively coordinating each sub-project and ensuring seamless integration is crucial to minimize potential problems. For example, building one laser system may be straightforward, but constructing three lasers that flash simultaneously requires significantly more effort than simply scaling up the individual project.
Teng
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Physics Fellow
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The quantum technology sector is emerging, yet it remains in its early stages. There are only a handful of research companies in the U.S., and they all know each other. I learned about my current company from my research advisor in graduate school, who once served as a committee member for the American Physical Society and worked closely with one of the company's founders. Although I had not met the founder before, we all attended the same scientific conference each year.
I first had a phone call with the company, during which we discussed my background, my work, and my thoughts on their projects. After that, I prepared a presentation for the entire company, explaining my research during graduate school. Following the presentation, there was a question-and-answer session where I faced many challenging questions, both technical and non-technical. The next day, I had an extensive discussion about the quantum physics research project I would be working on with the founder. Overall, the entire interview process went quite smoothly.
Reflecting on my job search journey, I found it both challenging and exciting. The key is persistence and actively seeking opportunities through various channels, such as networking, especially in a small field.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
Learning through projects is essential. While textbook knowledge is valuable, it ultimately belongs to others. Gaining hands-on experience is the only way to truly acquire knowledge. I would advise my younger self to participate in more projects, regardless of whether they are directly related to my thesis work. Additionally, networking is crucial. A scientific conference is about more than just slideshows; outreach is equally, if not more, important.
Final thoughts & tips
The field of quantum physics is rapidly growing, and it is a profession where compassion, patience, and skill come together to create meaningful change. I encourage students to stay curious and motivated. If you are still exploring and uncertain whether this is the right field for you, the best approach is to engage with it yourself for some time.
For those already on the journey to becoming a quantum physicist, stay strong when you encounter difficulties. When seeking job or volunteer opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out to your department professors for assistance. They are well-connected and can provide valuable resources and potential opportunities. Keep learning and continue making a difference.
Resources to dig in more
What is Quantum Computing?
Companies like Amazon are investing heavily in next-generation computing technologies, with quantum computing—rooted in quantum physics—being the most promising and imminent. For more information on how the market is betting on quantum computing, visit this website.
National Quantum Initiative
The United States government has officially announced that quantum technologies are of paramount importance for the next generation to maintain the nation’s leading position in the technology race.
What is Quantum Communication?
This review article explains, in simple terms, how quantum physics can reshape modern communication. It is not only better but also necessary for security reasons. It may sound mind-boggling at first, but once you understand the basics of quantum physics, it will become more intuitive.
What is Quantum Sensing?
This website from BAE Systems, a major player in the tech sector, explains how sensing technologies that utilize quantum physics can enhance the performance of their products. You’ll find that most cutting-edge technologies incorporate quantum physics to some degree.
