2025 – Page 2 – HK Ins of Quantum Science and Technology

HKIQST and Sun Yat-sen University IAS SYU Signed Strategic MOU to Advance Quantum Research

The HK Institute of Quantum Science & Technology (HKIQST) 香港大学香港量子研究院at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) of Sun Yat-sen University (SYU) 中山大学高等研究院 have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration in quantum science and technology across the Greater Bay Area.

The MOU, signed on October 11, 2025, by Professor Zidan Wang (汪子丹) on behalf of HKU IQST and Professor Daoxin Yao (姚道新) representing Sun Yat-sen University IAS, marks a significant step toward building a strategic partnership between two leading academic institutions in the region.

Under the agreement, both parties will:

· Serve as a bridge for collaborative research between HKU and Sun Yat-sen University in advanced quantum technologies and related fields.

· Jointly participate in academic activities across the Greater Bay Area, including establishing shared research platforms and applying for strategic funding opportunities.

· Promote the exchange of researchers, including professors, visiting scholars, and graduate students, and co-host academic events such as forums, workshops, and summer schools.

The MOU also outlines mutual commitments to confidentiality, dispute resolution, and responsible use of institutional branding, ensuring a respectful and productive partnership.

This collaboration reflects a shared vision to accelerate innovation, foster academic exchange, and contribute to the development of quantum science in the region.

🔗 Learn more about HKU IQST: https://iq.hku.hk

🔗 Visit Sun Yat-sen University IAS: https://iash.sysu.edu.cn

Prof. Qi Zhao featured in Nature Physics and awarded major national grant

The Hong Kong Institute of Quantum Science & Technology (HKIQST) is proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our fellow, Professor Qi Zhao.

🧠 National Recognition in Quantum Research
Professor Zhao has been awarded the MOST National Science and Technology Major Project 2024 (科學技術部_国家科技重大专项2024) as Principal Investigator in the field of Quantum Communication and Quantum Computers (量子通信与量子计算机). This prestigious Young Scientist Project (青年科学家项目) has secured a total funding of 5 million CNY, marking a significant milestone in advancing quantum technologies.

📘 Cover Feature in Nature Physics
Professor Zhao’s recent research has been published in Nature Physics and selected as the cover article for Volume 21, Issue 8. This work highlights cutting-edge developments in quantum science and reflects the global impact of HKIQST’s research community.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Zhao for these remarkable achievements and look forward to his continued contributions to the quantum frontier.

CTCP Seminar: “A 2D-CFT Factory: Critical Lattice Models from Competing Anyon Condensation in SymTO” by Prof. Yidun WAN | Thursday, September 25, 2025, 4:30pm CYMP522

There is a holographic correspondence between (1) nD quantum systems with symmetry C and (2) nD boundaries of the n+1D topological order Z(C), where Z(C) is mathematically the Drinfeld center of C. Such mysterious topological holography has numerous applications and consequences, especially in the recent emerging field of generalized symmetry. By a rigorous construction and proof in 1+1D, we show that the Drinfeld center Z(C) naturally arise as the category of fixed-point local tensors with symmetry C, thus revealing the origin of topological holography. This talk is based on arXiv:2412.07198.

Joint Seminar: “Beyond Closed Wave Systems: Non-Hermiticity, Nonlinearity, and Casimir Effect” by Prof. Kun DING | Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 11:00am CYMP522

The classical wave system has demonstrated itself as an excellent platform to realize and
investigate novel phenomena and physics. The bedrock principle is to utilize the macroscopic
quantities obtained from the homogenization or mean-field treatment. However, it usually deals
with Hermitian problems and averages out fluctuations. Therefore, the presentation will cover two
topics: non-Hermitian physics and Casimir effect. The first part focuses on the impact of non
Hermitian ingredients on soliton formation and dynamics. By constructing a soliton phase diagram,
two distinct soliton phases and their transitions are identified. A Wannier-function-based nonlinear
Hamiltonian shows that soliton formation critically depends on how skin-mode localization and
band nonreciprocity suppress or enhance wave dispersion. Both soliton phases have been
demonstrated to be dynamically accessible from bulk and edge excitations. The second part
discusses the influence of the metal’s surface electrons on Casimir forces. A three-dimensional
frame transformation method has been established by embedding mesoscopic boundary conditions
of electromagnetic fields. We find that mesoscopic Casimir forces are sensitive to the surface
electron behavior, including spill-in and spill-out, as verified by the multiple scattering method and
proximity force approximation. The mechanism has finally been revealed as Casimir softening
distances rooted in quantum surface responses of electrons.

CTCP Seminar: “Testing Multipartite Nonlocality and Network Nonlocality Sharing” by Prof. Qing CHEN | Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 10:00am CYMP522

After a brief introduction to quantum nonlocality, we propose a set of conditions on the joint probabilities as a test of genuine multipartite nonlocality, and it turns out that all entangled symmetric multipartite qubit states pass this test. In the following we generalize this test to a family of Hardy-type tests, which can detect different degrees of nonlocality ranging from standard to genuine multipartite nonlocality. At last, we explore network nonlocality sharing in an n-branch generalized star network scenario with m observers in each branch and k settings per observer.

CTCP Seminar: “Authentication of Classical Channels in Quantum Key Distribution” by Prof. Liujun WANG | Monday, June 16, 2025, 3:00pm CYMP522

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers information-theoretic security but relies critically on authenticated classical channels for post-processing steps (e.g., basis sifting and key reconciliation). Without authentication, these channels are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Traditional methods require Alice and Bob to pre-share symmetric keys via physical meetings—a solution incompatible with multi-user QKD networks. We experimentally demonstrate a practical solution using post-quantum signature algorithms to authenticate QKD classical channels. This approach was validated under multiple QKD network topologies in laboratory environments and a real-world metropolitan QKD network operating continuously for 36 days. Our implementation provides quantum-resistant security while uniquely requiring only short-term security (e.g., ~1 second during authentication), contrasting with long-term security assumptions for post-quantum encryption. Additionally, we propose a quantum-teleportation-based protocol for message authentication that simultaneously ensures confidentiality—enabling secure key reconciliation in QKD.

CTCP Seminar: “Origin of Topological Holography” by Prof. Tian LAN | Friday, June 6, 2025, 4:30pm CYMP522

Professor Yuxin Zhao Received Prestigious HKU-100 Scholar Award

We are pleased to announce that Professor Yuxin Zhao, fellow at the HK Institute of Quantum Science & Technology, has recently been awarded the prestigious title of HKU-100 Scholar by the University.
In his outstanding research, Professor Zhao has mainly focused on novel topological quantum matter. Several theories of topological physics established by him and co-workers, including those on topological metals, were pioneering and well-recognized internationally.
Please join us in congratulating Professor Zhao on this remarkable achievement, which not only honours his contributions to the field but also significantly advances the capabilities of our institute in the realm of quantum science and technology.

Professor Xiang Chao Receives Prestigious Croucher Innovation Award 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Professor Xiang Chao, fellow at the HK Institute of Quantum Science & Technology, has been honored with the Croucher Innovation Award 2025. Professor Zhao is one of four exceptional scholars to receive this prestigious accolade this year.
In his groundbreaking research, Professor Xiang focuses on miniaturizing optical systems to the chip scale, leveraging the myriad benefits of light across various applications. A central element of his work involves the development of integrated on-chip laser sources. By pioneering advancements in semiconductor lasers integrated onto photonic chips, Professor Xiang aims to significantly enhance their performance and functionality.

Utilizing advanced semiconductor micro- and nanofabrication technologies, his research optimizes on-chip laser performance. This enables seamless integration with photonic integrated circuits, leading to improved energy efficiency and broader application potential. Through the technique of heterogeneous integration, Professor Xiang extends the utility of semiconductor lasers beyond traditional optical communications to include fields such as sensing, metrology, imaging, and quantum information processing and computing.

His focus on developing high-performance, low-noise lasers that are scalable and suitable for a wide array of technological applications is set to make a substantial impact on both fundamental scientific research and practical technologies. Professor Xiang’s innovative design and fabrication methods promise to facilitate the creation of more sophisticated and energy-efficient photonic devices.
Please join us in congratulating Professor Xiang Chao on this remarkable achievement, which not only honours his contributions to the field but also significantly advances the capabilities of our institute in the realm of quantum science and technology. For more information, please refer to https://croucher.org.hk/en/news/four-emerging-research-leaders-earn-croucher-innovation-awards
Credit/Source: https://croucher.org.hk/en/news

Dr. Chenfeng Cao and Mr. Weihao Yang awarded the 2025 Joint Post-doctoral Fellowships (JPDF)

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Chenfeng Cao and Mr. Weihao Yang are awarded the 2025 Joint Post-doctoral Fellowships (JPDF) at the HK Institute of Quantum Science & Technology (HKIQST) and Hong Kong Branch for Quantum Science Center (HKBQSC) of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA, through a highly selective procedure of the Selection Panel consisting of Profs Zidan WANG, Wang YAO, Xiaobo YIN, and Shizhong ZHANG.
Dr. Cao received his PhD from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and is currently an esteemed Humboldt Fellow. With an impressive publication record in leading physics journals such as Comm Phys, Phys Rev Appl, Phys Rev Research, and Quantum Science and Technology, he is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our institute.
Mr. Yang, who is expected to receive PhD from The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China around this summer, has made commendable strides in the field of electronics. His research work has been recognized in top-tier journals like Nat Electro and Nat Comm. His passion and dedication towards research are truly inspiring.
At HK Institute of Quantum Science & Technology, Dr. Cao and Mr. Yang will be working on a plethora of theoretical and experimental research projects related to quantum science.
We warmly welcome Dr. Cao and Mr. Yang to our community and anticipate the invaluable insights they will bring. We look forward to witnessing the growth and success that their presence will undoubtedly facilitate.
Congratulations to Dr. Cao and Mr. Yang!