Peter McMahon, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University

 

2026 Experimental Physics Investigator

Peter McMahon, Ph.D.
Credit: Dave Burbank
 

Research Description

Peter McMahon’s research aims to develop programmable photonic devices that can be reconfigured after fabrication, allowing one chip to perform multiple operations with quantum light. His project will adapt platforms developed for classical light to create and guide single photons and entangled photon pairs, convert quantum light between wavelengths, and generate squeezed light with controllable structure.

Research Impact

McMahon’s work could provide a new tool in the toolbox for quantum photonics, in which a single chip can be programmed for different tasks rather than built for only one. This approach could make it easier to connect quantum systems that operate at different wavelengths. More broadly, the project could enable reconfigurable control of light for applications in quantum communication, sensing, and computing.

 
 

related links

Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative Science Cornell University, School of Applied and Engineering Physics Back

Education

Ph.D., Stanford University

M.S., Stanford University

B.S., University of Cape Town

Affiliated Investigators