Uses precise laser control, optical clocks and ultracold matter to investigate quantum behavior, including entanglement-enhanced timekeeping and controllable systems for quantum many-body research.
JILA / University of Colorado BoulderNISTJILA / University of Colorado BoulderYe’s work shows how precise measurement and quantum control reinforce one another. Optical lattice clocks demand exceptional control over atoms and light; the same tools enable experiments on interactions, entanglement and ultracold molecules. His research therefore contributes to the broader experimental capabilities on which quantum computing and simulation depend. The profile highlights a measured improvement from entanglement alongside a continuing many-body research program, without presenting an atomic clock as a general-purpose quantum processor.
JILA / University of Colorado BoulderNISTJILA / University of Colorado BoulderDefining contributions
Work, in context- Year not documented
Controlling ultracold matter for quantum research
Ye’s JILA program studies ultracold atoms and molecules with tunable interactions, alongside precision lasers and optical lattice clocks. These systems provide controlled settings for investigating quantum dynamics and many-body behavior.
Leader of the JILA research program described by JILA and NIST.
Source-supported recordJILA / University of Colorado BoulderNIST - 2025
Entanglement-enhanced optical timekeeping
A team led by Ye used spin squeezing and nondemolition measurement of strontium atoms to improve clock comparison precision beyond the standard quantum limit. The result demonstrated a measurable benefit from engineered atomic entanglement.
Research-team leader, as identified in JILA’s account of the strontium-clock experiment.
Source-supported recordJILA / University of Colorado Boulder
Keep in perspective
This profile concerns quantum control, simulation and sensing. It does not claim that the clock is a universal quantum computer.
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- NISTInstitutional profile
Jun Ye
NIST/JILA identity, optical clocks, precision lasers and ultracold-atom and molecule research.
Checked 2026-09-19 - JILA / University of Colorado BoulderInstitutional profile
Jun Ye
Current JILA and NIST fellow identification; optical clocks, quantum dynamics and ultracold-molecule research.
Checked 2026-09-19 - JILA / University of Colorado BoulderInstitutional research account
Entangled Time: Pushing Atomic Clocks Beyond the Standard Quantum Limit
Ye-led strontium spin-squeezing experiment and demonstrated improvement beyond the standard quantum limit.
Published 2025-10-23 · Checked 2026-09-19