Janos P
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Expertise
Quantum Optics, Quantum Computing, Electromagnetic Cloaking
Bio
I am a physicist by training, currently working in the US as a researcher and entrepreneur at the intersection of physics, education and educational technology. I obtained my PhD in theoretical quantum physics from MIT in the fall of 2018. My work focused on creating robust nanoscale systems to enable quantum computing. Most of my thesis was completed while working under the supervision of Prof. Mikhail Lukin at Harvard University. I completed the Mathematical Tripos (Part III) at Cambridge University, obtaining an MASt in 2012. Prior to that, I completed a BSc at the University of St Andrews in Logic, Philosophy of Science and Physics. My undergraduate research focused on the theory of invisibility under the supervision of Prof. Ulf Leonhardt.Project ideas
Foundations of Quantum Computing and Quantum Algorithms
In this project, you will learn about the theoretical foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum computing as well as explore how quantum computers operate and what makes them efficient. You will write a scientific research paper in Physical Review style surveying the relevant literature and key results about the following topics: • applications of quantum computers to breaking encryption • accelerating search in a database using Grover's algorithm • using quantum computers for scientific modeling and discovery • understanding quantum supremacy • surveying the physical systems used to build quantum computers
Improving the refractive index profiles of electromagnetic/invisibility cloaks
In this project you will explore the science of electromagnetic cloaking and how it can be used to design metamaterial devices that can make things invisible. You will explore the foundations of invisibility science by creating ray tracing simulations and visualization in a Mathematica notebook. Topics include the Luneburg lens, Eaton lens, the invisible sphere and state-of-the-art proposals for creating invisibility devices. You will also investigate ongoing experimental efforts to make invisibility cloaking a reality and understand current limitations. The project will culminate in a long-form research paper.
Metamathematics and its influence on the development of mathematics and philosophy during the 20th century
In this project you will explore metamathematics and its influence on the development of mathematics and philosophy during the 20th century. You will learn about Frege's Foundations of Arithmetic, Cantor's diagonal argument, Russell's paradox, Wittgenstein's Tractatus, Gödel's incompleteness theorem and Kripke's intuitionistic logic. You will research the technical and philosophical implications of these important results and write a philosophical treatise on these topics. Some background in philosophy is preferred, but not absolutely necessary.
Coding skills
Python, Javascrip, MatLab, Mathematica, Bash, SchemeLanguages I know
English, HungarianTeaching experience
I taught physics to undergraduates at MIT for 4 years as a teaching fellow, winning the Henry Kendall Teaching Award for my work. I have also been tutoring and mentoring high school students in physics, math and computer science for the past 10 years.Credentials
Work experience
Education
Reviews
"My mentor, Dr. Perczel has inspired me to study Physics. My most favorite subject has always been Mathematics, but Dr. Perczel introduced me to the wonderful world of Physics. He taught me complex physics concepts like Snell’s Law, Fermat’s Principle, Transformation Optics, Electromagnetic Cloaking and Maxwell’s Equations. If a concept required Calculus, he would gladly teach me in a way that I would quickly comprehend."
"My mentor, Dr. Perczel has inspired me to study Physics. My most favorite subject has always been Mathematics, but Dr. Perczel introduced me to the wonderful world of Physics. He taught me complex physics concepts like Snell’s Law, Fermat’s Principle, Transformation Optics, Electromagnetic Cloaking and Maxwell’s Equations. If a concept required Calculus, he would gladly teach me in a way that I would quickly comprehend. He taught me Mathematica, a high performance computational tool with its own programming language, so I could model complex concepts in Physics and understand them thoroughly. What is impressive about Dr. Perczel is that he started teaching me when I was only 13 years old. He believed in my enthusiasm to learn and encouraged my inquisitive nature. Initially, I had approached other teachers too. Though they appreciated my curiosity, they were hesitant to teach me high level physics due to my age and lack of knowledge of Calculus. But Dr. Perczel gladly agreed to teach me and encouraged my inquisitive nature. He always makes sure I have learned a topic in depth. He has a very calm personality and is extremely patient. I hope every student finds a mentor like Dr. Perczel. Now I have one more favorite subject, Physics."
