Tiny tech is the future

A love of computers and a background in quantum mechanics led Hoy to specialize in designing electronic devices made out of individual molecules.

“I get to design things as well as apply the most fundamental concepts in physical chemistry, quantum mechanics, how things work at the very smallest level,” Hoy said.

During his time at Rowan, Hoy developed a software package, Python-based Rowan University Quantum Transport or pyRUQT. The code was exclusively programmed at Rowan by Hoy and a team of undergraduate and graduate students; its development was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

pyRUQT is a comprehensive software containing all of the methods Hoy and his team develop at Rowan. The software is designed to understand the properties of electronics at the nanoscale.

“It allows you to study highly interacting electrons and molecular electronics, and, soon to come, quantum sensors as well,” Hoy said. “I hope in the long run, it will remain this big, standalone platform, and that we can join it into another big package so that it will be used by people around the world.”

Hoy received additional funding from the NSF to develop a methodology for designing quantum sensors.

“What we are trying to build is comprehensive methodologies for studying nanoscale systems,” Hoy said. “We want to make the next generation of quantum technology possible that will transform electronics and sensors.” 

Rowan University researchers are passionate about what they do. Find more at Meet Our Researchers.