Title: From Rydberg Array Quantum Simulators to Machine Learning-Enhanced Inverse-Designed Photonics for Quantum Applications
Abstract: This talk is organized into two main segments that highlight interconnected aspects of my research in quantum simulation and AI-driven photonics design. In the first segment, I present our work on quantum simulations of frustrated spin systems using Rydberg atom array quantum simulators. By focusing on a frustrated Shastry–Sutherland lattice, our combined theoretical and experimental investigations on QuEra’s platform have revealed a rich landscape of classical and quantum phases, including novel quantum critical points. I will also highlight the potential of using analog quantum simulators for quantum machine learning, demonstrating how these systems can serve as powerful optimization engines.
The second segment highlights my ongoing efforts to integrate machine learning with photonic inverse design. By harnessing advanced deep learning and neural network-based optimization frameworks, we accelerate the discovery and refinement of photonic structures, such as topology-optimized dielectric cavities, that are tailored for enhanced light–matter interactions. These ML-assisted methodologies enable rapid exploration of extensive design spaces, ensuring robust performance even in the presence of fabrication imperfections, and open up new avenues for applications in sensing, spectroscopy, and quantum technologies.
I will conclude by discussing future directions where machine learning continues to play a transformative role—ranging from AI-enhanced spectroscopic analysis of topological quantum materials to the realization of next-generation quantum photonic platforms.
About the Speaker: Dr. Vahagn Mkhitaryan is a Senior Research Scientist at Purdue University. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (2006–2010) and his master’s degree in Plasmonics and Photonics (2010–2012) from Yerevan State University in Armenia. In 2013, he began his doctoral studies at ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona, Spain, under the supervision of Valerio Pruneri and Javier García de Abajo and received his PhD from UPC – Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in 2018. His dissertation focused on designing and characterizing active nanophotonic structures and devices—particularly periodic structures and multilayer thin films in combination with phase-change materials—using both experimental and theoretical approaches.
After completing his PhD, Dr. Mkhitaryan continued at ICFO (2017–2021) as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Nanophotonics Theory group led by Prof. García de Abajo. During that time, he developed theoretical methods to investigate optical excitations in materials using electron beams as probes and carried out experiments to demonstrate plasmons in atomically thin metals. Following the global pandemic, he moved to the United States in 2021, joining Prof. Vladimir Shalaev’s group at Purdue University—initially as a Postdoctoral Researcher and later as a Research Scientist. His current research interests include using ML assisted photonic inverse design to enhance light–matter interactions, light-induced physics and control of quantum states of matter, spectroscopy of topological quantum materials, and investigating quantum many-body physics through Rydberg atom array-based quantum simulators.
Read More