Professor Jun Ye is a pioneering physicist whose research focuses on ultracold atoms and molecules and on laser-based precision measurements. Recognized for his curiosity and hands-on approach to experimentation, he has built a world-class research program using light, atoms, molecules, and advanced optical tools to explore nature with unprecedented precision.

Ye’s contributions to the field span several landmark achievements. He led the creation of the world’s most precise optical atomic clock, capable of maintaining perfect time over billions of years. His collaborative work on the optical frequency comb revolutionized the ability to measure light, molecules, and even nuclei and has become a foundational instrument across modern spectroscopy and metrology. Ye’s work continues to set new standards for precision and is helping define the future direction of quantum science and its real-world applications.

Throughout his career, Ye has mentored numerous students and postdocs, and actively engaged in science communication. He has also served as a member of the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, which guides US policy in QISE.