Interns participate in projects led by LLNL scientists in areas such as quantum sensing, entangled optical source development and use, noise characterization for superconducting qubits, and ion trap design and testing.
LCQS interns:
- Work with scientists performing research in quantum computing and/or quantum sensing using experimental, theoretical, and computational tools.
- Form long-term connections with LLNL scientists who work in quantum information science.
- Become familiar with world-class laboratories and capabilities.
- Present their work through presentations and poster sessions.
- Participate in laboratory tours, journal clubs, and regular group meetings.
Dr. Kristin (Kristi) Beck is a staff scientist in the LLNL Quantum Coherent Device Physics Group and the director of the Livermore Center for Quantum Science. Her research spans multiple hardware implementations for quantum computing (superconducting transmons, trapped ions) and multiple levels of the quantum computing stack. She expects to have projects this summer related to designing and modeling 3D-printed ion traps and calibrating superconducting qubits.
Project keywords: experimental | modeling | quantum computing | appropriate for undergraduates | appropriate for graduate students
Alessandro Castelli
Dr. Alessandro Castelli is a staff scientist in the LLNL Quantum Coherent Device Physics Group. His research focuses on the effects of radiation on superconducting qubits and quantum optimal control algorithms. He expects to have a project this summer experimentally characterizing Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) which will be used as radiation sensors.
Project keywords: experimental | quantum computing | quantum sensing | appropriate for graduate students
Dr. Dominique (Dom) Davenport is a staff scientist studying quantum enabled imaging and sensing. His research is focused on the use of quantum entanglement to achieve multi-dimensional imaging. He expects to have projects this summer related to the development of quantum light sources through non-linear media as well as the development of quantum ghost imaging schemes to access biological material.
Project keywords: experimental | modeling | quantum sensing | appropriate for graduate students
Sandrine Herriot
Dr. Sandrine Herriot is a laser physicist at LLNL. Her research spans laser development, short pulse laser diagnostic development, high brightness quantum entangled photons sources and application of machine learning for advancing those fields. She expects to have projects this summer related to experiments on amplification of quantum entangled photon generated through SPDC.
Project keywords: experimental | quantum sensing | appropriate for undergraduate students | appropriate for graduate students
Bevin Huang
Dr. Bevin Huang is a postdoctoral researcher in the LLNL Quantum Coherent Device Physics Group. His research focuses on improving the performance of superconducting quantum hardware by understanding how they fail at the materials level. He expects to have projects this summer related to cryogenic optical design, testing, and superconducting qubit measurement.
Project keywords: experimental | quantum computing | appropriate for graduate students
Vito Iaia
Dr. Vito Iaia is a postdoctoral researcher in the Quantum Coherent Device Physics group at LLNL. Vito’s research is based on characterizing and mitigating noise sources created by particle impact events and fabrication impurities in superconducting qubits. Much of his work is also involved in qubit characterization, quantum sensors, and novel qubit design. He expects to have a project this summer measuring and modeling noise in superconducting resonators.
Project keywords: experimental | modeling | quantum computing | quantum sensing | appropriate for undergraduates | appropriate for graduate students
Dr. Geon-Bo Kim develops radiation and particle detectors utilizing SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) quantum magnetometry and uses them for high precision nuclear decay spectroscopy and detection of neutrinos and dark matter. SQUIDs are one of oldest and most mature quantum sensing technologies. He expects to offer an internship with the “Quantum calorimeters for neutrino detection” project, which is developing quantum calorimeters to measure phonons created by neutrino interactions and sits at the intersection between national security applications and fundamental physics experiments.
Project keywords: experimental | quantum sensing | remote internship possible | appropriate for graduate students
Dr. Qu is a staff scientist in the Nanoscale, Surface, and Interface Science Group. Her research centers on developing scalable quantum-classical interfaces with applications in quantum computing control and readout. This summer, she anticipates having projects focused on the development of a directional quantum-limited amplifier.
Project keywords: experimental | modeling | quantum sensing | appropriate for undergraduates | appropriate for graduate students
Dr. Xiaoxing Xia is a staff scientist at LLNL. He leads projects in developing next generation multi-photon 3D printing technologies to achieve higher throughput, finer resolution, and multi-materials printing capability. His team utilizes a suite of advanced manufacturing technologies for applications in responsive and architected materials, energy storage, carbon recycling, microfluidics, quantum computing, and inertial confinement fusion. He expects to offer a project designing, fabricating and characterizing ion traps using two-photon lithography.
Project keywords: experimental | quantum computing | appropriate for undergraduates | appropriate for graduate students
If you want to get real experience applicable to quantum systems, LLNL is a great place to do that. The learning experience throughout the summer has been tremendous and will allow me to grow even more when I go back to school and continue with this research.”
—2025 undergraduate student from UC Berkeley
If you want an opportunity that allows you to choose your path while also allowing you to step out of your comfort zone and explore what you didn’t consider or know about before, you should seriously consider applying for this internship. LLNL is a great place to learn about so many different things.”
—2025 undergraduate student from Olin College of Engineering
