Meet the Fellows

James Terhune

My graduate studies revolve around a magical isotope called 229Th (read as thorium 229). 

Much of atomic physics involves driving transitions in the electron clouds of atoms with a resonant light source. In English, this is a fancy way to say that the electrons in an atom can be strongly “jiggled” (excited) when exposed to light that has a very particular color / frequency. Most often, the light sources that atomic physicists like to use are very finely tuned high-precision lasers. The magical feature of 229Th is that not only can one excite its electrons with a laser, but one can also excite its nucleus. In fact, 229Th is the only isotope in the entire periodic table that has this feature; exciting any other nucleus requires a light source that is of a frequency that is too high to achieve with a laser. 

This special fact about 229Th makes it very useful for 2 main reasons. First, one can use this nucleus-jiggling laser to make an ultra-stable nuclear clock. There is good reason to believe that given enough research and engineering, thorium nuclear clocks will be the most accurate and/or stable clocks in the world. Second, our theorist friends have told us that by measuring the excitation frequency of 229Th over time, one can perform stringent tests of fundamental physics. Specifically, observing a drift in this excitation frequency over time would indicate the existence of new and exciting fundamental physics.

In our lab, led by Dr. Eric Hudson, we are interested in realizing both of these applications of 229Th. Towards that end, we have developed a laser system capable of exciting a large number of 229Th nuclei that are doped into optically transparent crystals. In addition, we are collaborating with other groups to use our crystals in high-precision measurements of the resonant frequency over time. 

Prior to starting my graduate studies at UCLA, I attended Villanova University where I received a BS in physics with a minor in computer science. While at Villanova, I worked with Dr. Amber Stuver on gravitational wave research. In addition, I’m originally from the faraway lands of Darien, CT. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, going to the beach, going to the gym, and doing more lab work.

Kuan Yu Wey

My name is Kuan-Yu Wey, and I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Experiment under the guidance of Professor Christopher Gutiérrez at UCLA's Physics Department. With the support of the Julian Schwinger Fellowship, I have been able to focus fully on my studies and research at UCLA, advancing my work in experimental physics. My research mainly centers on the use of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy/Spectroscopy (STM/STS) to investigate quantum states at the atomic scale. Specifically, I explore phenomena such as charge density waves, short-range order, and atomic decoration on the surfaces of two-dimensional materials. A key aspect of my work is examining how quantum systems respond to electromagnetic fields, inducing microscopic electron flow within the material. By combining STM with electrical contacts, we could apply finite electric fields across samples to conduct dynamic measurements, analyzing changes in sample topography and spectroscopy under varying conditions. Additionally, we leverage auxiliary instruments connected to the STM to introduce defects or apply strain to samples, which allows us to explore novel phases, such as density waves and lattice distortions. We also utilize Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES) to study material band structures, providing a direct measurement of electronic properties. Moving forward, I plan to delve deeper into condensed matter topics, including topological orders and STM-induced luminescence. The Julian Schwinger Fellowship has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my Ph.D. without the burden of financial constraints. This support not only enables me to concentrate on my research but also strengthens my candidacy for future postdoctoral and research positions in the field.

Shuai Sun

I am Shuai Sun, a second-year PhD student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA. I graduated from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). The diverse properties of materials under different electron densities have led me to focus on condensed matter physics. Phenomena such as the quantum anomalous Hall effect and high-temperature superconductors drive my research.

Currently, I work in Professor NiNi’s Lab, focusing on magnetic topological materials. I am intrigued by the coupling between spin textures in real space and topological properties in reciprocal space and aim to understand these interactions. Additionally, I am investigating the relationship between first-order and second-order phase transitions, which could provide insights into phase transition mechanisms and potential materials for adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration. In my research on EuAg4As2, La doping has led to interesting changes in the electrical resistivity and thermal capacity curves, revealing both first-order and second-order phase transition behaviors. I am exploring the principles behind these phenomena.

During my time at UCLA, I have developed strong experimental skills in material growth and transport measurements, thanks to the guidance of J, Jonathon, Asari, and Tiema. I am especially grateful to Professor NiNi for her unwavering support. She has been more than just an academic mentor; she has also guided me in many aspects of life. I feel fortunate to be part of Ni Lab and the broader UCLA community.

I sincerely thank the Julian Schwinger Foundation for its support, which enables me to focus on my research. I look forward to continuing my work in condensed matter physics, aiming to contribute to new discoveries.

YanYan Zhu

My name is Yanyan Zhu, and I am from China, Jiangsu province. I choose to major in physics because I am captivated by the beauty and power of the elegant theories which have significant benefits to the recognition of the world and the development of the human society. I am especially passionate about condensed matter physics, as the diverse types of materials open up endless possibilities to explore different kinds of fascinating phenomena and meet various practical demands. 

Currently, I am a graduate student in Prof. Yaroslav Tserkovnyak’s group, where my research focus on spin transport, particularly spin superfluidity. This phenomenon allows spin to be transported coherently over macroscopic distances without suffering from Joule heating, which holds applications for developing high-quality spintronic devices. For example, we are exploring ways to combine spin superfluidity with the Aharonov-Casher effect to demonstrate its macroscopic phase coherence and design an electric field sensor analogous to the Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID). I am also interested in quantum information, e.g. entanglement generation based on condensed matter system. The diversity and tunability of condensed matter systems offer a rich platform for manipulating low-dimensional systems, such as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, through environment engineering. For example, we can drive the system away from equilibrium in certain way so that such nonequilibrium feature will also be imprinted to the NVs that coupled to the system. This can potentially enable long-term entanglement between the NVs, which will be useful in quantum information, quantum sensing and quantum spintronics.

At UCLA, I have had pleasure of meeting new friends from various cultural backgrounds, a refreshing experience that exposed me to a range of perspectives. Engaging in these cultural exchanges has allowed me to share stories from my hometown, which has enriched my understanding of cultural diversity in ways more profound and insightful than I anticipated.

It is a great honor to have been awarded this fellowship, which has a significant impact on my education journey. I will take advantage of the skills I learned in UCLA to make my own contribution to science and help people in the future with the best of my best abilities.