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University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering


Illinois-led regional quantum hub NSF HQAN renewed to pursue industry-ready computing and workforce development

The University of Illinois-led NSF HQAN has been renewed for a second phase with $37.5 million in funding to develop an industry-ready pathway for implementing modular principles in quantum computing. The center has made significant technical achievements and is building a quantum workforce through educational programs.

Illinois researchers discover new diamond quantum emitter with potential to advance quantum technologies

Illinois researchers have discovered a new type of quantum light emitter in diamonds that could help overcome challenges facing quantum technologies. The newly identified IL1 center emits bright and narrowband quantum light while remaining insensitive to crystal vibrations, which is a significant obstacle for existing quantum systems.

Entanglement over large separations because of, not despite dissipation

Scientists have developed a technique called synthetic squeezing to generate entanglement in a steady state, overcoming decoherence and enabling remote entanglement without particle transport. This method uses cascaded quantum systems, where light absorption and emission balance the dissipation of energy into the environment.

Illinois and UChicago physicists develop a new method to measure the expansion rate of the universe

A team of researchers from Illinois and UChicago has developed a novel way to compute the Hubble constant using gravitational waves, improving accuracy over prior methods. The new method uses background gravitational-wave hum from merging black holes in distant galaxies to learn about the age and composition of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2026

New tool models metal response to stress, pinpoints failure locations

Researchers at University of Illinois have created a model that captures the metal material's response to stress and predict failure hotspots using pixel-scale images. The algorithm uses machine learning to output strain fields from computational simulations, predicting mechanical response based on crystal orientations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures·DateFeb 16, 2026

New crystallization and microgel technology advances biohybrid brain research

Researchers developed a breakthrough technology called Cellular RedOx Spreading Shield (CROSS) to deliver long-lasting antioxidant protection to stem cells, enabling the reliable production of high-quality extracellular vesicles. This innovation strengthens neuron-glia networks and promotes structural and functional connectivity among ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 16, 2025

Illinois Grainger Engineers develop reconfigurable slow-light platform for on-chip photonic engineering

The Illinois Grainger Engineers have developed a reconfigurable slow-light platform for on-chip photonic engineering, which enables high spectral resolution features. This technology has the potential to be used for classical and quantum applications such as quantum memory, single photon storage, and exotic structures.

Mapping the future: AI method to transform alloy properties prediction and design

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a machine learning approach to analyze diffraction patterns and capture an alloy's microstructure in unprecedented detail. This method accelerates alloy property prediction by orders of magnitude, enabling rapid fundamental understanding of structure properties in metals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateDec 15, 2025

New theory promises faster, more accurate predictions of chemical reaction energetics

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new theoretical framework that replaces traditional computational models used in quantum chemistry. The new method, which uses an independent atom reference state, provides a more elegant and computationally affordable alternative for predicting chemical reaction energetics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 20, 2025

Electric double layer structure at nucleation sites revealed, providing fundamental insight into electrochemical cells and batteries

Researchers have discovered that electrical double layers (EDLs) organize into specific configurations in response to chemical deposition on solid surfaces. These configurations include 'bending,' 'breaking,' and 'reconnecting' patterns, which are universal due to the finite size of liquid molecules.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2025

Theory for aerosol droplets from contaminated bubbles bursting gives insight into spread of pollution, microplastics, infectious disease

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a model predicting contaminant influence on aerosol droplet size, finding it depends on oil layer thickness, viscosity, and surface tension. The study aims to understand airborne contaminants from oil spills and respiratory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 14, 2025