Jian-Wei Pan is one of the trailblazers in the field of quantum technologies. His pioneering work on multi-photon interferometry, long-distance quantum communication, and quantum computation has transformed the very foundations of quantum technologies.His research focuses on fundamental aspects of quantum physics as well as their technological applications, particularly in large-scale quantum communication and space-based quantum experiments.
Danny has always followed his own compass of what was important, and interesting, to him, which occasionally led him down fascinating and somewhat unconventional byways. Trained originally as a high-energy theorist, he moved into gravity, neutron interferometry, and soon was drawn into some of the deepest conceptual questions in quantum mechanics. We value Danny not only for his brilliance, but for his independence of mind, his wit, his humor, his courage, and his ability to think out lines of thought right to their very end, to their occasionally radical consequences and implications for how we see the world.
Scientific achievements
Jian-Wei Pan together with Anton Zeilinger realized the first experimental demonstration of quantum teleportation.
His later work established quantum communication as a set of feasible technologies. In particular, he led the development of the Micius quantum satellite, enabling the first intercontinental quantum key distribution and long-distance entanglement distribution.
Pan’s group also played a key role in closing experimental loopholes in quantum tests and advancing secure quantum communication under realistic conditions.
Jian-Wei Pan and IQOQI Vienna
Jian-Wei Pan has a long-standing connection to the Vienna quantum physics community. He obtained his PhD under Anton Zeilinger at the University of Vienna and has maintained close scientific collaborations with IQOQI-Vienna, for example on the above-mentioned Micius satellite.
