Kater Murch

Kater Murch

Professor of Physics
Charles M. Hohenberg Professor of Physics
PhD, University of California, Berkeley
research interests:
  • Quantum Information
  • Quantum Thermodynamics
  • Quantum Measurement

contact info:

Get Directions

mailing address:

  • Washington University

    MSC 1105-110-02

    One Brookings Drive

    St. Louis, MO 63130-4899

​Professor Murch’s research focuses on the interface of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) and condensed matter physics. Using nano-fabrication techniques to construct superconducting quantum circuits allows his group to probe fundamental questions in quantum mechanics.

Superconducting qubits are a promising system for the realization of quantum schemes for computation, simulation, and data encryption. While the fabrication of these systems allows for exquisite control over the properties of the quantum systems, their complex material nature, and strong light matter interactions results in coupling to uncontrolled degrees of freedom in the surrounding environment, eventually leading to decoherence of some states of these systems. Kater Murch's research group focuses on engineering the quantum system-environment interaction to preserve coherence, to prepare complex many body states, and probe fundamental issues related to measurement, quantum foundations, and thermodynamics. Professional History Murch received his BA in physics from Reed College in 2002. He conducted graduate research at the University California, Berkeley, in the group of Dan Stamper-Kurn, where his research focused on Bose-Einstein condensates, cavity quantum electrodynamics, and quantum measurements. Murch conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, in the group of Irfan Siddiqi. He joined the faculty at Washington University in 2014.   Awards   2018 Cottrell Scholar Award, Research Corporation for Scientific Advancement 2018 NSF CAREER Award 2017 St. Louis Academy of Science Innovation Award 2015 Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship in Physics

recent courses

Introduction to Quantum Physics (Physics 217)

Theoretical and experimental basis for quantum mechanics, following the historical development of 20th-century physics. Failure of classical physics; the Bohr theory of the atom; the Heisenberg uncertainty principle; the Schroedinger equation; atomic and molecular structure.

Introduction to Quantum Physics II (Physics 318)

Application of quantum principles to atomic and molecular physics, solid-state physics, and nuclear and particle physics.

Physical Measurement Laboratory (Physics 322)

A variety of classical and modern experiments in physics, including five experiments in nuclear radiation. Use of computers in experiment control, data acquisition, and data analysis. Development of skills in writing lab notebooks and formal reports and giving short oral presentations on experiments.

Quantum Mechanics I (Physics 523)

Provides a rigorous introduction to quantum mechanics with an emphasis on formalism. The course begins with review of the theory of linear (state) vector spaces and the quantum theory of measurement. Topics covered include dynamics of quantized systems, the quantum theory of angular momentum, density matrix formalism, and advanced topics in quantum measurement theory.

Selected Publications

Tan, S. Weber, I. Siddiqi, K. Mølmer, K. W. Murch* Prediction and retrodiction for a continuously monitored superconducting qubit, Phys. Rev. Lett. 114, 090403 (2015)

S. J. Weber, A. Chantasri, J. Dressel, A. N. Jordan, K. W. Murch*, I. Siddiqi, Mapping the optimal route between two quantum states, Nature, 511, 570 (2014)

K. W. Murch, S. J. Weber, C. Macklin, I. Siddiqi, Observing single quantum trajectories of a superconducting qubit, Nature, 502, 211 (2013)

K. W. Murch, S. J. Weber, K. M. Beck, E. Ginossar, I. Siddiqi, Reduction of the radiative decay of atomic coherence in squeezed vacuum, Nature, 499 62-65 (2013)

K. W. Murch, E. Ginossar, S. J. Weber, R. Vijay, S.M. Girvin, I. Siddiqi, Quantum State Sensitivity of an Autoresonant Superconducting Circuit, Phys. Rev. B, 86 220503(R) (2012)

K. W. Murch, U. Vool, D. Zhou, S. J. Weber, S. M. Girvin, I. Siddiqi Cavity-assisted quantum bath engineering, Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 183602 (2012)

R. Vijay, C. Macklin, D. H. Slichter, S. J. Weber, K. W. Murch, R. Niak, A. N. Korotkov, and I. Siddiqi, Quantum feedback control of a superconducting qubit: Persistent Rabi oscillations, Nature 490 77-80 (2012)

K. W. Murch, S. J. Weber, E. M. Levenson-Falk, R. Vijay, and I. Siddiqi, 1/f noise of microwave resonators and Josephson tunnel junctions at single photon energies and millikelvin temperatures, Appl. Phys. Lett. 100 142601 (2012)

in the news:

Inside WashU’s Quantum Quest

Entanglement research by WashU scientists makes cover of top physics journal

Flawed diamonds: Physicists gain quantum insights from imperfect crystals

Celebrate World Quantum Day!

Back to Ampersand