荔枝视频

荔枝视频 researcher , PhD, is exploring a world most people never see: the world of quantum science. At this extremely small scale, matter behaves in ways that differ from the familiar laws of classical physics.

鈥�When systems become very small, like atoms, or operate at very low energy, like photons, unusual quantum behaviours begin to appear,鈥� says Barzanjeh, an associate professor in the at the . By uncovering and harnessing these strange and powerful interactions, he is translating quantum phenomena into technologies with the potential to advance computing, health care and Canada鈥檚 innovation landscape.

This transformative work has earned Barzanjeh the , a prestigious national award. The fellowship supports research aligned with Canada鈥檚 scientific and technological priorities and is conducted in collaboration with a researcher from the (NRC). Barzanjeh will work with co-principal investigator , PhD, a quantum researcher at the NRC.

鈥淐ongratulations to Dr. Barzanjeh on receiving the Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship,鈥� says , MD, vice-president (research). 鈥淎 Killam fellowship is one of the highest honours a scholar can receive. This award recognizes Dr. Barzanjeh鈥檚 research excellence and underscores the importance of sustained investment in quantum science. His work highlights U荔枝视频鈥檚 growing leadership in the field, contributes to Canada鈥檚 national priorities, and advances technologies with lasting societal impact.鈥�

Building the foundation of quantum technology

Barzanjeh鈥檚 research spans several areas of , including computing, networking and sensing. 

A major focus is developing foundational components of quantum computers 鈥� machines with the potential to exceed the capabilities of today鈥檚 classical systems for certain problems. These computers are expected to accelerate progress in areas such as drug discovery, complex optimization and certain artificial intelligence tasks.

He is also advancing quantum-networking technologies designed to connect future quantum computers into secure, high-performance networks based on quantum communication principles. By enabling quantum information to be exchanged between systems, these networks would form the backbone of a future quantum ecosystem.

Safer, smarter sensors

Another key area of Barzanjeh鈥檚 work is the development of highly sensitive quantum sensors 鈥� tools capable of measuring and detecting information with unprecedented precision. One promising application is the quantum microscope, designed for medical and biological imaging.

Traditional optical-imaging systems often face a trade-off between measurement sensitivity and the amount of light exposure that biological samples can tolerate.

鈥�To extract very fine details, conventional methods often require increasing the light intensity,鈥� says Barzanjeh, who also leads the lab. 鈥淭hat increase in power can damage cells and tissues, so there鈥檚 a price to pay.鈥� 

Quantum microscopes aim to overcome this limitation by using quantum entanglement, a phenomenon in which pairs of particles share strong correlations, even when separated by large distances. Measuring one particle can reveal information about its entangled partner.

Entanglement explained

鈥淲e generate two entangled particles, in this case, photons,鈥� says Barzanjeh. 鈥淥ne interacts with a target, such as a sample of biological cells, while the other is kept isolated. By comparing the two particles, we can extract highly precise information about the sample while suppressing unwanted background disturbances, such as noise, from the environment.鈥�

Because this method operates at very low light levels, it enables detailed measurements while reducing the risk of damage to delicate samples, opening new possibilities for research, diagnostics and health care.

Accelerating impact 

The Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship will advance Barzanjeh鈥檚 work by providing dedicated time to focus on research and strengthening the partnership between U荔枝视频 and the NRC.

鈥淭he researchers at the NRC have extensive facilities and exceptional infrastructure,鈥� says Barzanjeh. 鈥淭his collaboration with Dr. Studenikin, including the exchange of students and visiting researchers, is incredibly important to accelerate progress and strengthen Canada鈥檚 position as a leader in quantum science.鈥�

Faculty of Science Dean Kristin Baetz, PhD, says that the fellowship is good for science, and good for students and researchers interested in quantum.

"Congratulations to Dr. Barzanjeh,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his is truly an amazing accomplishment that reflects Dr. Barzanjeh鈥檚 drive to advance quantum research and make it matter in our daily lives.鈥�

Canada鈥檚 quantum future

Barzanjeh also emphasizes the importance of training highly skilled students and researchers who will help build Canada鈥檚 quantum future.

鈥淧reparing the next generation of students is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work,鈥� he says. 

While quantum science can be complex, Barzanjeh鈥檚 goal is straightforward: translating quantum effects into practical technologies that benefit society.

鈥淚f we succeed in building these systems, they could have significant long-term impact across computing, sensing and secure communications,鈥� he says.