Quantum Sensing & Biology Lab
Pioneering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of quantum physics and biological systems.
Quantum Sensing
Single-particle detection with quantum precision
Phage Engineering
CRISPR-enhanced bacteriophage therapeutics
Nanofluidics
Integrated circuits for biological analysis
Biophotonics
Ultra-weak photon emission detection
About Dr. Aeron Tynes Hammack

Current Position
Staff Scientist, Nanofabrication Facility
Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
U.S. Department of Energy Nanoscale Science Research Center
Biography
Dr. Aeron Tynes Hammack is a distinguished scientist with expertise spanning Quantum Information, Condensed Matter Physics, and Biotechnology. His academic journey began at UC Berkeley with a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, followed by a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from UC San Diego [1].
His doctoral research on "Studies of transport and thermalization of excitons and the development of techniques for in-situ manipulation of excitons in coupled quantum wells" under Professor Leonid V. Butov laid the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach [3].
Following postdoctoral work at the Molecular Foundry Imaging Facility at LBNL, Dr. Hammack transitioned to industry, contributing to Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology at HGST/Western Digital before co-founding EpiBiome, a precision microbiome company focused on bacteriophage therapeutics [1].
Contact Information
Research Focus Areas
Bridging quantum physics with biological systems to develop revolutionary sensing technologies and therapeutic approaches.
Nanofluidic Integrated Circuits

Developing sophisticated micro- and nano-fabricated devices that isolate, manipulate, and probe single biological molecules with unprecedented sensitivity. These NFICs enable characterization of biological entities at the single-particle level [14].
Key Technologies:
- Plasmonically enhanced optical resonators
- Nano-scale electrical contacts for electron tunneling
- Cavity resonance effects for quantum state coupling
Quantum Mechanical States in Biology
Exploring how quantum effects influence biological processes at molecular and cellular levels. This research investigates quantum coherence, entanglement, and tunneling within biological macromolecules using advanced sensing platforms [14].
Research Areas:
- Direct coupling to quantum mechanical states
- Ultra-weak photon emission detection
- Quantum biological phenomena characterization
Phage Engineering & Therapeutics

Pioneering CRISPR-Cas3 engineered phage (crPhage) technology for precision antibacterial products. This work builds on Dr. Hammack's entrepreneurial experience as co-founder of EpiBiome, which was acquired by Locus Biosciences [21].
Clinical Impact:
LBP-EC01, a crPhage product for recurrent UTIs caused by antimicrobial-resistant E. coli, has advanced to Phase 2 clinical trials with positive results published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases [26].
Ultra-Weak Photon Emission
Collaborative research with The Guy Foundation investigating biophoton emission from living cells. This work explores the potential quantum biological origins and physiological roles of these extremely faint light signals [18].
Research Goals:
- Design and build sensitive UPE detection systems
- Identify cellular targets and communication mechanisms
- Understand potential quantum biological significance
Selected Publications
Comprehensive research spanning excitonics, Bose-Einstein condensation, plasmonics, and phage biology.
Spontaneous Coherence in a Cold Exciton Gas
NatureA.A. High, J.R. Leonard, A.T. Hammack, M.M Fogler, L.V. Butov, A.V. Kavokin, K.L. Campman, A.C. Gossard
Moiré pattern of interference dislocations in condensate of indirect excitons
Nature Comm.J.R. Leonard, L. Hu, A.A. High, A.T. Hammack, C. Wu, L.V. Butov, K.L. Campman, A.C. Gossard
Methods for tuning plasmonic and photonic optical resonances in high surface area porous electrodes
Sci. Rep.L.M. Otto, E.A. Gaulding, C.T. Chen, T.R. Kuykendall, A.T. Hammack, F.M. Toma, D.F. Ogletree, S. Aloni, B.J.H. Stadler, A.M. Schwartzberg
Excitonic switches operating at around 100 K
Nature Photon.G. Grosso, J. Graves, A.T. Hammack, A.A. High, L.V. Butov, M. Hanson, A.C. Gossard
Trapping of cold excitons in quantum well structures with laser light
Phys. Rev. Lett.A.T. Hammack, M. Griswold, L.V. Butov, L.E. Smallwood, A.L. Ivanov, A.C. Gossard
Key Achievements
Career Timeline
PhD Research - UC San Diego
Pioneering work on exciton transport and Bose-Einstein condensation in coupled quantum wells under Professor Leonid V. Butov.
Postdoctoral Fellow - LBNL
Molecular Foundry Imaging Facility, developing advanced nanoscale characterization techniques with Dr. Frank Ogletree.
Co-founder & CEO - EpiBiome
Established precision microbiome company developing high-throughput automated phage discovery platform. Secured $6M Series A funding.
Staff Scientist - Molecular Foundry, LBNL
Leading research in single-particle sensing technologies and quantum biological systems.
Years Research Experience
Series A Funding Secured
Clinical Trial Achievement
Research Collaborators
Academic & Research Institutions
University of California, Berkeley
B.S. Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
University of California, San Diego
PhD Condensed Matter Physics
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Molecular Foundry Staff Scientist
University of Westminster
Quantum Biology Collaboration
Industry Partners
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Johnson & Johnson Division
BARDA
Biomedical Advanced Research Authority
CARB-X
Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Locus Biosciences
CRISPR-Cas3 Engineered Phage Therapeutics
Contact the Lab
Interested in collaboration or learning more about our research? Get in touch with Dr. Hammack and the Quantum Sensing and Biology Lab.
Send Message
Direct Contact
Phone
510-486-7081Address
Molecular Foundry
1 Cyclotron Road
Berkeley, CA 94720