Develops photonic quantum experiments across computing and communication, connecting large-scale optical sampling with satellite-enabled distribution of quantum keys between distant locations on Earth.
University of Science and Technology of ChinaarXivPan’s work places photonics in two complementary settings: specialized quantum computing experiments and long-distance quantum communication. His team’s Jiuzhang research tests optical sampling tasks at scales that challenge classical simulation. Collaboration using the Micius satellite demonstrates how quantum key distribution can connect distant ground locations. These contributions are technically distinct, so neither establishes the other’s performance. The evidence supports experimental leadership across both fields, while the sampling results should not be presented as a universal or application-ready quantum computer.
University of Science and Technology of ChinaUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaarXivDefining contributions
Work, in context- 2018
Intercontinental quantum key distribution
His USTC team collaborated with Austrian researchers to use the Micius satellite for quantum-key distribution connecting China and Austria across approximately 7,600 kilometres.
USTC research-team leader in a collaboration with Austrian researchers; satellite communication was a team achievement.
Source-supported recordUniversity of Science and Technology of China - 2023
Jiuzhang 3 optical sampling
Coauthored a Gaussian boson-sampling experiment using pseudo-photon-number-resolving detectors and recording up to 255 photon-click events, with comparisons against specified classical simulation methods.
Coauthor of the Jiuzhang 3 Gaussian boson-sampling experiment; shared experimental credit.
Source-supported recordarXiv
Keep in perspective
The boson-sampling comparison is specific to the task and classical methods studied; it is not a claim of general-purpose computational advantage.
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitutional profile
Jian-Wei Pan
Identity, professional identification and contribution context
Checked 2026-09-19 - University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitutional research news
Intercontinental quantum communication using the Micius satellite
Pan team, Austrian collaboration, satellite QKD and 7,600-kilometre ground separation
Published 2018-01-20 · Checked 2026-09-19 - arXivResearch paper
Gaussian Boson Sampling with Pseudo-Photon-Number Resolving Detectors and Quantum Computational Advantage
Coauthorship, 255-click experiment and task-specific validation
Published 2023-04-24 · Checked 2026-09-19