Dr. Patrick Becker
Dr. Patrick Becker is a quantum physicist and assistant research scientist at ARLIS in the Acquisition and Industrial Security Mission Area, where he works on quantum computing projects.
Dr. Becker received his BS from Denison University and his PhD from the University of Maryland. While at Maryland, his thesis research focused on building quantum computing and simulation platforms based on trapped-ion quantum bits, or qubits. This research led to the discovery of a novel phase of matter, first demonstrations of several quantum statistical mechanical phenomena, and a quantum simulation utilizing 50+ qubits. He then joined Booz Allen Hamilton in 2021 to support quantum technology research programs at the Defense Sciences Office of DARPA as a science, engineering, and technical advisor (SETA). At DARPA, he provided scientific and program management support for a portfolio of high-risk, high-reward research programs aimed at developing practical quantum and supporting technologies ranging from near-term quantum computers to optomechanical infrared detectors.
Dr. Becker is interested in pushing quantum technologies to be more robust and user-friendly for operation outside the lab. At ARLIS, heis combining his experience in research and technical program management to develop quantum technology capabilities and explore new opportunities in quantum science.
Booz Allen Hamilton - Lead Physicist: 2021-2023
“Domain-wall confinement and dynamics in a quantum simulator,” W. L. Tan, P. Becker, F. Liu, G. Pagano, K. S. Collins, A. De, L. Feng, H. B. Kaplan, A. Kyprianidis, R. Lundgren, W. Morong, S. Whitsitt, A. V. Gorshkov, C. Monroe, Nature Physics 17, 742 (2021). [News and Views]
“Cryogenic Trapped-Ion System for Large Scale Quantum Simulation,” G. Pagano, P.W. Hess, H. B. Kaplan, W. L. Tan, P. Richerme, P. Becker, A. Kyprianidis, J. Zhang, E. Birckelbaw, M. R. Hernandez, Y. Wu, C. Monroe, Quantum Sci. Tech. 4, 014004 (2019).
“Observation of a Many-Body Dynamical Phase Transition in a 53-Qubit Quantum Simulator,” J. Zhang, G. Pagano, P. W. Hess, A. Kyprianidis, P. Becker, H. B. Kaplan, A. V. Gorshkov, Z.-X. Gong, and C. Monroe, Nature 551, 601 (2017).
“Observation of a Discrete Time Crystal,” J. Zhang, P.W. Hess, A. Kyprianidis, P. Becker, A. Lee, J. Smith, G. Pagano, I.-D. Potirniche, A.C. Potter, A. Vishwanath, N.Y. Yao, C. Monroe, Nature 543, 217 (2017).