Min-En (Elsa) Chou

About

I approach quantum systems from the hardware up. At National Tsing Hua University, I spent 3+ years co-building an ultracold lithium–cesium apparatus from bare optical table to working experiment. I then spent 2.5 years in optical R&D at LARGAN Precision, designing imaging lenses and building image-processing tools.

I now work on AI-driven research and design for ultracold-atom experiments. Alignment, tuning, troubleshooting, and optical design still consume much of a lab's time, and they are well suited to automation. I want to test these methods on real hardware, and build research infrastructure where people and AI collaborate. I'm currently looking for PhD positions in this direction.

I'm also interested in how this shift changes the way researchers think and learn, and in making quantum information something people can see and touch. Outside my research, I run clinqclinq studio, a small space for playful interactive and visual pieces.

Research interests

• 
  Autonomous ultracold-atom systemsClosed-loop control that keeps real hardware aligned and tuned as conditions drift.
• 
  AI-driven research and optical designAutomated design and tolerancing, from imaging lenses to atom-trapping systems.
• 
  Neutral-atom platformsOptical systems, imaging, and apparatus design for neutral-atom quantum technologies.
• 
  Seeing quantum phenomenaInteractive and embodied interfaces that make quantum states and evolution tangible.

Publications

1. Gestural control of quantum information in virtual reality
   H. C. Chang, H. C. Lang, I. C. H. Liu, M. E. Chou
   In SIGGRAPH Posters ’26. Article 48, pp. 1–3, 2026 DOI
2. Cold lithium–cesium slow atomic beam from a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap
   Y. D. Chen, W. X. Li, M. E. Chou, C. H. Kuo, C. S. Li, S. Tung
   Physical Review A 103, 023102, 2021 DOI
3. Towards a dual-species Bose–Einstein condensate of ⁷Li and ¹³³Cs
   Y. D. Chen, W. X. Li, C. S. Li, M. E. Chou, S. K. Tung
   APS DAMOP Meeting, 2020 Abstract
4. A new lithium–cesium machine for the study of quasiparticle localization in Bose–Einstein condensates
   Y. D. Chen, W. X. Li, C. S. Li, A. L. Chen, M. E. Chou, C. H. Kuo, C. Y. Jhang, S. K. Tung
   APS DAMOP Meeting, 2018 Abstract

Patents

1. Imaging optical lens system, imaging apparatus and electronic device
   M. E. Chou, G. J. Liao · LARGAN Precision
   US 2026/0072251 A1. Pending. Patent

Experience

• Research Assistant2025 – 2026
  National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University · Hsinchu, Taiwan
  Quantum HCI, visualization, and art administrative coordination.
• Optical R&D Engineer2023 – 2025
  LARGAN Precision · Taichung, Taiwan
  Imaging lens design, tolerancing, and image-processing algorithms.
• Patent Engineer2021 – 2022
  TSAI, LEE & CHEN / JC Patent Attorneys Office · Taipei, Taiwan
  Patent drafting and patentability analysis across optics, semiconductors, and robotics.
• Graduate Researcher2017 – 2020
  Quantum Gas Laboratory, National Tsing Hua University · Hsinchu, Taiwan
  Ultracold Li-Cs apparatus design and construction. Advisor: Shih-Kuang Tung.
• Undergraduate Researcher2016 – 2017
  National Tsing Hua University · Hsinchu, Taiwan
  Magnetic monopole simulations in topological insulators. Advisor: Chung-Yu Mou.

Education

• M.S. Physics2018-2020
  National Tsing Hua University · Hsinchu, Taiwan
  Thesis: "Building a compact apparatus for the creation of ultracold Li and Cs atoms."
• B.S. Physics2014-2018
  National Tsing Hua University · Hsinchu, Taiwan
  Graduated in the top 10% of the class.

Contact

Email: elsaxchou[a]gmail.com for more information.