UW Lab Probes Spooky Quantum Mysteries

New quantum technology testbed opens doors to researchers and students across disciplines

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:14am

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A bold, abstract painting in muted greens, blues, and grays, featuring sweeping geometric shapes and spiraling patterns that evoke the complex structures and forces of the quantum realm, conveying the lab's mission to explore the fundamental nature of matter and energy.The QT3 lab's specialized quantum hardware and interdisciplinary research aim to unlock the mysteries of the subatomic world.Washington Today

The University of Washington's new Quantum Technologies Training and Testbed (QT3) lab is a one-stop shop for quantum research, housing specialized equipment like a dilution fridge that can cool materials to near-absolute zero and a scanning tunneling microscope that can image individual atoms. The interdisciplinary lab aims to improve access to quantum hardware and provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in quantum fields.

Why it matters

Quantum mechanics is a powerful but counterintuitive field, and the QT3 lab gives researchers and students a unique opportunity to explore quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement using state-of-the-art equipment. By solidifying UW's position as a leader in quantum research and education, the lab could help accelerate the development of transformative quantum technologies like advanced computing and communications.

The details

The QT3 lab is home to a range of specialized quantum hardware, including a dilution fridge that can cool materials to just 0.01 Kelvin above absolute zero, a photon qubit tabletop that demonstrates quantum entanglement, and a scanning tunneling microscope that can image individual atoms. The lab was funded through a congressional earmark and departmental support, and is now open to researchers and students across the UW as well as industry partners. Students can even work at the lab through an undergraduate staffing program, gaining hands-on experience with the unique equipment.

  • The QT3 lab has been in development for the past three years.
  • The lab is now officially open and available for use by researchers and students.

The players

Max Parsons

An assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Washington and the former director of the QT3 lab.

Kai-Mei Fu

A professor of physics at the University of Washington and the founder of the QT3 lab.

Reynel Cariaga

An undergraduate staff member at the QT3 lab.

Jesus Garcia

An undergraduate staff member at the QT3 lab.

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What they’re saying

“This is the coldest fridge money can buy. When it's running, the chamber inside this device is about 100 times colder than outer space. At that temperature, it's much easier to study and manipulate a material's quantum properties.”

— Max Parsons, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

“Quantum mechanics is inherently counterintuitive, and that makes it a powerful teaching tool. In the QT3 lab, students will encounter systems where their everyday intuition breaks down, and they must rely on careful reasoning and experimentation instead.”

— Max Parsons, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

“Very few places have expertise across the full quantum stack, from materials up to algorithms. The UW has quantum faculty in electrical and mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, materials science and chemistry. Our advantage is the breadth of our investment.”

— Kai-Mei Fu, Professor of Physics

What’s next

The QT3 lab is currently hiring for a full-time manager to maintain the equipment and help users make the most of the facility. The lab is also open to partnerships with private companies interested in quantum research and development.

The takeaway

The QT3 lab's unique collection of quantum hardware and its interdisciplinary team of researchers position the University of Washington as a leading hub for quantum science and technology, with the potential to accelerate breakthroughs in fields ranging from computing to communications.