Fuchs, Hartman elected to American Physical Society

Greg Fuchs, the James R. Meehl Professor in School of Applied and Engineering Physics, and Thomas Hartman, professor in the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, have been elected as fellows of the American Physical Society (APS).

The elections were announced Oct. 10 by the society, and recognize physicists for exceptional achievements in research, leadership and service within the field, and significant contributions to physics education.

Fuchs focuses his research on quantum informa­tion science and spintronics - using the magnetic spin of electronics to store and process information. The APS cited his significant contributions to spintronics and hybrid quantum systems, including spin transfer torque, advances in magnetic microscopy with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond and other semiconductor defects, and dedicated service to the magnetism community.

Hartman works on fundamental aspects of quantum gravity and quantum field theory, with a focus on black hole information and strongly interacting quantum fields, using a variety of techniques from string theory, holographic duality, general relativity and quantum information. The APS cited his fundamental contributions to quantum field theory and the quantum theory of black holes, including a novel understanding of the black hole information paradox and connections between gravity and quantum entanglement.

The election of both researchers highlights Cornell's leadership in the rapidly advancing field of quantum science and engineering. APS fellowship is a distinct honor, with no more than 0.5% of the society's membership elected to the status of fellow each year.