A New Era in Quantum Science: Technion Inaugurates Quantum Microscopy Laboratory
World Quantum Day, celebrated on April 14, is an annual event that promotes public awareness and understanding of quantum science and technology around the world. And what better way to celebrate than by inaugurating our new quantum lab—a major milestone that will take our quantum research to new heights.
On March 12, the Quantum Microscopy Laboratory was inaugurated at the Technion. The lab was established following the Technion’s success in a call for proposals by the Israel Innovation Authority, with additional support from the Technion and the Helen Diller Quantum Center.
“One of the most exciting moments in academia is inaugurating a new lab,” said Distinguished Professor Moti Segev from the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “This lab is led by three outstanding young researchers – each an ERC grant recipient – who successfully secured this grant. Its establishment reflects the excellence of this institution, an excellence that can be felt in its very hallways.”
The three leading researchers are: Prof. Ido Kaminer from the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Prof. Yehonadav Bekenstein from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, and Dr. Michael Krüger from the Faculty of Physics. The new lab, located in the Solid State Institute, is directed by Dr. Kobi Cohen.
Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan shared his personal connection to the location, saying: “I began my academic career here at the Solid State Institute in 1991. This institute is a hub of outstanding excellence, thanks in part to its ability to constantly renew itself, always at the highest level and always providing a true sense of home for those who work here. This new lab is a testament to the younger generation stepping up and leading that renewal.”
Marking the occasion of Purim, which fell on the same week, Prof. Yehonadav Bekenstein drew a parallel to the biblical story: “Haman described the Jews as ‘a scattered and dispersed people,’ but Esther told Mordechai, ‘Go, gather all the Jews of Shushan.’ The story of this lab is also one of coming together – of unity and collaboration.”
In explaining the lab’s focus, Prof. Bekenstein noted: “The new Quantum Microscopy Lab will investigate the limits at which quantum properties of materials are preserved. This is possible under extreme conditions – for example, when materials are cooled to ultra-low temperatures using liquid helium or observed at atomic resolution and ultrafast timescales.”
The lab houses two unique and complementary microscopes, which share cutting-edge experimental infrastructure, including ultra-fast laser sources and ultra-sensitive detectors:
• Pulsed Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) – used for cathodoluminescence experiments, analyzing photons emitted from the interaction of the electron beam with materials.
• Atomic Force & Scanning Tunneling Microscope (AFM/STM) – enables ultrafast tunneling experiments at unprecedented speeds (attoseconds).
These state-of-the-art microscopes – the only ones of their kind in Israel – will enable groundbreaking quantum research beyond the reach of conventional techniques, positioning the Technion as a leading center for quantum excellence.
