Other Considering the change from CMP to AMO

[ggmaybe]

I have a specialization in condensed matter physics and materials physics, and off-late, I have been seeing a lot of research directions moving towards quantum computing (AMO and non-linear optics) and the huge chunk of quantum materials research (and funding) is dedicated towards QIS and QC research. I am wondering (sort of in a dilemma), if I should consider switching my field? I am currently at the stage of a postdoc.

 

[anuttarasammyak]

I do not have academic background but I am involved in management of quantum computing research in a public institute. I observe most of condensed matter physics have something to do with QIS. I hope you will find your own field has some relation with QIS which would give you better financial and promotional opportunity.
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[CrysPhys]

I have a specialization in condensed matter physics and materials physics, and off-late, I have been seeing a lot of research directions moving towards quantum computing (AMO and non-linear optics) and the huge chunk of quantum materials research (and funding) is dedicated towards QIS and QC research. I am wondering (sort of in a dilemma), if I should consider switching my field? I am currently at the stage of a postdoc.

I'm a bit confused here. You are currently in a postdoc (first postdoc?) in CMP and materials physics. And I assume your PhD work were in those fields. Correct, so far? When you say you are considering switching your field to AMO, do you mean terminating your current postdoc prematurely? Or do you mean taking a subsequent postdoc in AMO? What is your career goal after you've finished your round of postdocs? Academia, industry, or government labs?

I admit that I haven't kept up with the latest developments in QIS and QC. But realistically, practical commercial devices are likely to be solid-state devices. And electronic and optical properties of solids (including interactions of solids with external optical sources) are all a part of CMP. So why do you need to formally switch to AMO to pursue developments applicable to QC and QIS?

 

[Herman Trivilino]

I am wondering (sort of in a dilemma), if I should consider switching my field?

What would be the goal? To engage in something more meaningful or to make yourself more employable? Or perhaps it's a bit of both?

In my opinion your best option is to move in a direction that will make you more employable sooner rather than later. The longer you wait to start a career the harder it will be to both find employment and build enough wealth to enjoy at least a minimum standard of living.

Life seems long but it goes by fast. You have to plan for your long-term future
You won't be young forever.