
Research Assistant Professor; Director, Quantum Technologies Training and Testbed (QT3) Lab
Electronic, Photonic, and Integrated Quantum Systems
ECE 222, B023, B030
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206-545-8350
Email: mfpars@uw.edu
Biography
The Parsons Lab focuses on advancing the frontiers of quantum computing and quantum sensing through innovative experimental techniques. Our research is centered on developing scalable quantum technologies, including three-dimensional arrays of neutral atoms for quantum simulation and computation, and leveraging novel nanophotonic components to enhance quantum systems. We are also exploring solid-state platforms, such as nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond and other color centers, to build hybrid quantum architectures and spin-photon interfaces. Max also leads the Quantum Technologies Training and Testbed Lab (QT3), which serves as a shared user facility, an instructional laboratory, and quantum testbeds. The QT3 lab is staffed primarily by undergraduate researchers, emphasizing hands-on experiential learning and fostering the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. Our work bridges fundamental physics, advanced engineering, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address some of the most challenging problems in quantum science and technology.
Max completed his PhD in 2016 under the supervision of Markus Greiner at Harvard University, where he developed techniques for laser cooling and atom-resolved imaging of fermionic lithium atoms in optical lattices for quantum simulation experiments. Prior to joining UW in 2022, Max worked as a scientist at Reality Labs (Meta) where he worked on augmented reality display systems, involving research on pupil replicating waveguides, laser beam scanning projectors, novel emitters, and digital holographic imaging. Max also worked as a scientist at Atom Computing, developing gate-based quantum computers based on arrays of neutral atoms trapped in optical tweezers. In addition to a number of academic publications, Max is an inventor on more than 35 granted patents in the fields of mixed reality and quantum computing.
Recent Publications
- An Accessible Planar Ion Trap for Experiential Learning in Quantum Technologies, Robert E Thomas, Cole E Wolfram, Noah B Warren, Isaac J Fouch, Boris B Blinov, Maxwell F Parsons, arxiv:2410.08301 (2024)
- Creation of color centers in diamond by recoil implantation through dielectric films, Yuyang Han, Christian Pederson, Bethany E Matthews, Nicholas S Yama, Maxwell F Parsons, Kai-Mei C Fu, Appl. Phys. Lett. 124, 044007 (2024)
- Scalable Neutral atom based quantum computing, J King, B Bloom, K Kotru, B Lester, M Parsons - US Patent 10,504,033 (2019)
- Site-resolved measurement of the spin-correlation function in the Fermi-Hubbard model, Maxwell F Parsons, Anton Mazurenko, Christie S Chiu, Geoffrey Ji, Daniel Greif, Markus Greiner, Science, 351, 953-957 (2016)
- Site-resolved imaging of fermionic 6-Li in an optical lattice, Maxwell F Parsons, Florian Huber, Anton Mazurenko, Christie S Chiu, Widagdo Setiawan, Katherine Wooley-Brown, Sebastian Blatt, Markus Greiner, Physical Review Letters, 114, 213002 (2015)