The journey of Ryan Hamerly, a theoretical physicist, from a classroom science demonstration to a career in Silicon Valley, is a testament to the power of curiosity and the unexpected paths it can lead to. Hamerly's story begins with a simple Tesla coil project in high school, which sparked his interest in physics and led him to study at Caltech. There, he discovered the versatility of quantum field theory and its applications in various fields, leading him to pursue a PhD in optical and quantum computing under the supervision of Hideo Mabuchi. This decision set the stage for his future endeavors.
Hamerly's post-PhD journey took him to Japan, where he worked with quantum optics researcher Yoshihisa Yamamoto, a connection that would later prove invaluable. Upon returning to the US, he joined MIT for a postdoc under Dirk Englund, a quantum photonics engineer. This period was pivotal, as it coincided with Yamamoto's move to establish NTT Research in Silicon Valley, offering Hamerly a unique opportunity.
At NTT Research, Hamerly found himself at the intersection of optics, deep learning, and quantum computation. His projects focus on reducing the energy consumption of AI data centers using optical interconnects, a field that he co-founded with professors Mengjie Yu and Zaijun Chen, forming Opticore. This venture aims to produce photonic integrated circuits for energy-efficient, high-speed AI.
Hamerly's perspective on his career path is insightful. He views his position at NTT Research as a blend of industry and research, emphasizing the importance of generating ideas with practical applications while maintaining a focus on fundamental research. He appreciates the smaller, more focused nature of an industrial lab, but also acknowledges the challenges, such as the absence of the diverse seminar experiences available in academia.
Despite his industrial role, Hamerly remains a theorist at heart, spending much of his time writing computer code and models, both for supercomputers and laptops. His daily routine involves writing papers, presenting work at conferences, and responding to reviews and meetings. Hamerly's advice to young researchers is to keep their options open, as the research landscape is ever-evolving, and the core elements of a researcher's role are likely to remain similar, despite technological advancements.
In conclusion, Ryan Hamerly's journey from a high school science project to a leading role in Silicon Valley showcases the transformative power of curiosity and the unexpected connections it can forge. His story serves as an inspiration for young researchers, highlighting the importance of adaptability and the potential for diverse career paths in the field of physics and beyond.
