Dr. Norman Yao

Biography

Norman Y. Yao is a Professor of Physics at Harvard University. His research lies at the interface of atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, condensed matter physics, and quantum information science. In recent years, the synergy between these fields has enhanced the ability to assemble complex, quantum many-body systems that include individual atoms, ions, molecules, and photons. These advances have opened new avenues for realizing non-equilibrium phases of matter, testing quantum computational advantages, and measuring intrinsic properties of topological phases. A critical dialogue between theory and experiment informs the questions addressed by Yao's research group, which employs a variety of theoretical, experimental, and numerical tools. A recurring theme in Yao’s research is the power of quantum mechanics, particularly in systems not at thermal equilibrium. His latest research interests encompass the study of spin liquids, Floquet phases of matter, quantum information scrambling, and emergent hydrodynamics in quantum sensing, especially under high pressures. Yao earned his undergraduate degree in 2009 and his Ph.D. in 2014 from Harvard University. After completing the Miller postdoctoral fellowship, he joined the physics faculty at UC Berkeley in 2017 and is now excited to return to Harvard as a professor.

Research Interests

Experience