Greiner uses ultracold atoms and microscopes that resolve individual atoms to turn collective quantum behavior into questions that can be prepared, measured and tested.
Harvard UniversityarXiv / NatureGreiner’s experiments make interacting quantum matter available for controlled study. His work with colleagues in Munich observed a transition between superfluid and Mott-insulating behavior in an optical lattice. His later coauthored quantum-gas-microscope experiment made individual atoms in a lattice directly accessible to imaging. The connection matters: the value of a quantum simulator depends on both preparing a physical model and observing what its constituents do. Harvard identifies his research with strongly correlated many-body systems, ultracold atoms and optical lattices. His laboratory biography also identifies him as a QuEra co-founder and board member. That biographical connection is distinct from evidence about any specific company machine.
Harvard UniversityarXiv / NatureHarvard University / Greiner LabHarvard UniversityA useful reading question: what physical problem is being simulated, what can be measured and how is the answer checked? An experiment that studies an interacting quantum system does not automatically establish a general-purpose, fault-tolerant computer.
The work behind the recognition
Work, in context- Year not documented
Observing a quantum phase transition
Greiner and colleagues in Munich observed a transition from a superfluid to a Mott insulator by loading ultracold atoms into an optical lattice. Harvard identifies this experiment as part of his work on strongly correlated quantum systems.
Experimental collaborator in the Munich optical-lattice team; Harvard attributes the observation to Greiner and colleagues.
Source-supported recordHarvard University - 2009
A microscope for individual atoms
Greiner coauthored an experiment demonstrating a quantum gas microscope that detected individual atoms in an optical lattice in the Hubbard regime. The approach opened a more detailed view of the microscopic states used in quantum simulation.
Coauthor of the quantum-gas-microscope experiment with Bakr, Gillen, Peng and Fölling.
Source-supported recordarXiv / Nature
Keep in perspective
The laboratory biography’s QuEra affiliation statement carries a March 2021 update date; current executive duties are not inferred.
A quantum-simulation experiment does not automatically demonstrate universal fault-tolerant computation.
The evidence map
Both views link each contribution to its sources. Choose a contribution on the map or read them all in the list.
Observing a quantum phase transition
Markus Greiner
Supports: Current professorial identification and optical-lattice phase-transition contribution.
Checked 19 Sept 2026Credit & limits: Experimental collaborator in the Munich optical-lattice team; Harvard attributes the observation to Greiner and colleagues.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| Observing a quantum phase transitionDate not documented | Institutional recordMarkus Greiner Current professorial identification and optical-lattice phase-transition contribution. Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Experimental collaborator in the Munich optical-lattice team; Harvard attributes the observation to Greiner and colleagues. |
| A microscope for individual atoms2009 | Primary paperA quantum gas microscope detecting single atoms in a Hubbard-regime optical lattice Greiner coauthorship and single-atom imaging experiment. Published 3 Aug 2009 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 | Coauthor of the quantum-gas-microscope experiment with Bakr, Gillen, Peng and Fölling. |
Follow the evidence
4 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- Harvard UniversityInstitutional record
Markus Greiner
Current professorial identification and optical-lattice phase-transition contribution.
Checked 19 Sept 2026 - arXiv / NaturePrimary paper
A quantum gas microscope detecting single atoms in a Hubbard-regime optical lattice
Greiner coauthorship and single-atom imaging experiment.
Published 3 Aug 2009 · Checked 19 Sept 2026 - Harvard University / Greiner LabInstitutional record
Markus Greiner — Greiner Lab
Laboratory biography identifies Greiner as a QuEra Computing co-founder and board member; page displays a March 12, 2021 update date. It does not establish current executive responsibilities.
Published 12 Mar 2021 · Checked 8 Oct 2026 - Harvard UniversityInstitutional record
Markus Greiner
Current professorial identification and optical-lattice phase-transition contribution.
Checked 8 Oct 2026