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  • Nov
    9

    Meta-Optics for Interfacing with Atomic and Solid-State Quantum Systems - An ECE Seminar with Professor Mikhail Kats

    Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

    1:45 PM L440, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    Meta-Optics for Interfacing with Atomic and Solid-State Quantum Systems - An ECE Seminar with Professor Mikhail Kats

    Please join us in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the Technological Institute for a Seminar with Professor Mikhail Kats, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin.

    Student Introduction by Yung Ching Lai, Jovanis Nikola Prodanich, and Raj Nileshbhai Dave from 1:45 pm - 1:55 pm.

    There will be a brief reception post-seminar.

    Abstract: This talk will discuss our recent developments of components based on micro- and nano-optics for interfacing with two types of quantum systems: neutral atoms and color centers in diamond. Topics will include grating structures to simplify the formation of magneto-optical traps (MOTs), optical masks and metasurfaces to facilitate atom trapping in tweezer and bottle-beam arrays, and nanoscale light extractors for efficient outcoupling and beaming of light from nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers and other color centers in diamond. The goal of this research is to create robust, compact, and inexpensive components for experiments and applications in quantum sensing, networking, and computing.

    Bio: Mikhail Kats is Jack St. Clair Kilby Professor and Antoine-Bascom Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he has worked for 11 years. Kats has carried out foundational research in the areas of optical metasurfaces, thin-film optics, optical materials, thermal radiation, and optical components for quantum technologies. He is a founding member and associate director of Wisconsin CHIPS. He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed research articles, and has been identified by Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) as a Highly Cited Researcher. In 2025, he became Fellow of Optica and SPIE, and received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

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    TIME Monday, November 9, 2026 at 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

    LOCATION L440, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Lee Onysko    lee.onysko@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

  • Nov
    16

    Regular registration for Winter quarter begins

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, November 16, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Nov
    20

    Dissertation, PhD Final Exam, and change of grade forms due to TGS for Fall PhD candidates

    University Academic Calendar

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    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Friday, November 20, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Nov
    25

    Thanksgiving Vacation begins at 6:00 PM (No classes, University offices closed)

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Wednesday, November 25, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Nov
    30

    Fall Classes Resume

    University Academic Calendar

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    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, November 30, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Dec
    5

    Fall classes end

    University Academic Calendar

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    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Saturday, December 5, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Dec
    7

    Fall Exams begin

    University Academic Calendar

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    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, December 7, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Dec
    12

    Fall exams end

    University Academic Calendar

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    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Saturday, December 12, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Dec
    12

    Northwestern Engineering PhD Hooding and Master's Recognition Ceremony

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    4:00 PM Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    LOCATION Pick-Staiger Concert Hall    map it

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Dec
    24

    Winter Recess Starts - University Closed Through January 1st, 2027

    University Academic Calendar

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    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Thursday, December 24, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar