Hideo Mabuchi

Hideo Mabuchi is a physicist who uses optical methods to extend our understanding of quantum behavior. Mabuchi’s studies provide an experimental vehicle for exploring how thermodynamic processes mask quantum behavior, and how their interaction might be harnessed for important practical uses. Using optical trapping protocols, he investigates the effects of external perturbations on quantum behavior. Mabuchi specifically focuses on examining the long-term dynamic evolution of quantum systems. This line of research is establishing the groundwork for future advances in both fundamental physics and practical applications. In addition, physics at the intersection of the quantum and thermodynamic regimes may play a vital role in determining the conformation of large biomolecules (such as enzymes) whose function depends on correct three-dimensional structure. Mabuchi is an associate professor in the Departments of Physics and Control and Dynamical Systems at the California Institute of Technology, where he leads the Physical Measurement and Control group. Spent nine years as a faculty member at Caltech with appointments in Physics and in Control & Dynamical Systems, then moved to Stanford University as Professor of Applied Physics in 2007. Mabuchi earned an A.B. (1992) from Princeton University and a Ph.D. (1998) from the California Institute of Technology.