Alan Salari | RF & Quantum Hardware Engineering

EDUCATION

I am an RF & microwave engineer, quantum physicist, author, and entrepreneur, with academic training in Electrical Engineering and Physics at the University of Bonn, RWTH Aachen University, and the University of Illinois Chicago.

EXPERTISE

Microwave Engineer

With nearly two decades of experience, my work focuses on the design and implementation of modern microwave systems. This includes applications spanning radar, satellite communications, and microwave plasma technologies. I have contributed to the field through technical roles at organizations such as Axon, Hughes Network Systems, and the Fraunhofer Institute, including the development of one of the first commercial phased-array terminals for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems.

Quantum Physicist

I have worked with physicists including David DiVincenzo, known for the DiVincenzo criteria for quantum computer realization. My work encompasses the design and productization of control systems for superconducting quantum computers, with contributions at Microsoft and Quantum Circuits. Earlier in my career, my work included ultracold atomic gases and pixel detector systems for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Author

I authored the first book focused on the detailed implementation of superconducting quantum hardware, Microwave Techniques in Superconducting Quantum Computers, establishing an early technical reference for the practical realization of superconducting quantum processors. I am the author of the multi-volume series Modern RF Product Development, covering the full RF product lifecycle from initial blueprint (Vol. I), through implementation (Vol. II), to production (Vol. III). These works provide microwave and quantum engineers with practical techniques essential for implementing superconducting quantum processors and complex RF systems.

Entrepreneur

I founded Quaxys to advance the development of remote RF sensor and measurement platforms for microwave and quantum engineers. I was awarded the EXIST Gründerstipendium, an entrepreneurship fellowship supported by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. My work was also recognized with the Best Pitch Award by Frank Thelen, one of the investors on Die Höhle der Löwen (German Shark Tank). Additional support and recognition were received from the National Science Foundation, DPI Chicago, and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

MEMBERSHIPS

I am a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a member of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) and the Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance. I also serve on the advisory board of the Quantum Startup Foundry at the University of Maryland, College Park.

AWARDS & PORTFOLIO

Selected projects and contributions are available in my portfolio.

MY PORTFOLIO

- German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (EXIST Gründerstipendium)
- Grant recipient, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Grant recipient, National Science Foundation
- Best Pitch Award (RWTH meets Frank Thelen, Freigeist sucht Unicorn )
- Siemens AG, Exclusive Mentoring Program
- Grant recipient, Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), Chicago
- Grant recipient, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
- Grant recipient, EFRE.NRW Award

- German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (EXIST Gründerstipendium)
- Grant recipient, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Grant recipient, National Science Foundation
- Best Pitch Award (RWTH meets Frank Thelen, Freigeist sucht Unicorn)
- Siemens AG, Exclusive Mentoring Program
- Grant recipient, Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), Chicago
- Grant recipient, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
- Grant Recipient, EFRE.NRW Award

Microwave Techniques in Superconducting Quantum Computers

This book is the first dedicated to microwave hardware for quantum computing, introducing microwave and quantum engineers to the practical techniques and theoretical foundations required to implement and operate superconducting quantum processors.

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Microwave Techniques in Superconducting Quantum Computers

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Microwave Techniques in Superconducting Quantum Computers

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WHAT PIONEERS AND LEADERS SAY

David DiVincezo

Director of Quantum Information Institute

Jülich Research Center

Alan Salari’s book arrives, in a pioneering spirit, with an effort to define the intellectual landscape of the subject. Superconducting quantum computer needs a lot of advanced techniques from cryogenic microwave engineering. This is the premise that drives Alan Salari’s book, and is the featured item in the landscape that he depicts. We see here a cornucopia of microwave components, functions, and methodologies. Salari has covered in great detail all the microwave art that is seen as essential for the functioning of the quantum computer.

Peter Hou

Antenna Engineering & Management

Germantown, Maryland, United States

During the relatively short period, Alan simply struck me as the most knowledgeable antenna engineer I have ever met, with a deep understanding of the physics and theories of electromagnetic waves, antenna, radiation, polarization and all related concepts. More importantly, he is able to use his knowledge to deliver highly innovative solutions to design and testing problems. In short, Alan is a conscientious engineer in addition to being a highly innovative thinker and doer. Wherever he is and whatever he does, he will exceed anyone's highest expectations.

Steven Pickles

R&D Imagineer Principal

Walt Disney Imagineering

Alan possesses a rare combination of deep technical knowledge and exceptional communication skills, making complex concepts accessible to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. His contributions were not just limited to technical advancements but also included elevating the entire team's understanding and proficiency in critical aspects of radio frequency engineering.

Eric Holland

Director of Strategic Initiatives, Quantum Engineering Solutions

Keysight Technologies

Salari’s textbook is an excellent reference covering theory, experiment, and implementation that all quantum physicists and quantum engineers should have in their laboratories.

Yale Eckert

Application Engineer

Rohde & Schwarz

Strongly endorsed! Alan has meticulously curated an intellectually enriching voyage, guiding us from fundamentals to advanced realms. An indispensable resource unveiling the past, present, and future of RF, semiconductors, and quantum computing.

Piotr Kulczakowicz

Director of Quantum Innovation and Commercialization
Quantum Startup Foundry

University of Maryland, College Park

Alan Salari brings in a rather rare and unique mix of deep theoretical knowledge combined with a remarkably broad set of practical skills he developed while designing and building cutting edge microwave hardware for superconducting qubit control. The author packs his experiences into a powerful, practical, no-nonsense, easily readable, and readily usable package.

Matej Štefanac

EE Designer

Yazaki Europe

Alan was one of my supervisors. We collaborated on various projects related to RF and antenna design, and I learned a lot from him about microwave design techniques, simulation software (such as ADS and CST), and simulation setups and procedures. His guidance helped me to develop my problem-solving skills in design and optimization processes.

ENGINEERING PLATFORMS & PROFESSIONAL INITIATIVES

Quaxys is a technical platform focused on the development of remote RF sensor and measurement systems, alongside professional-grade training for microwave and quantum engineers. The platform bridges advanced hardware, real-world measurements, and system-level engineering to support industry, research, and emerging technologies.

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The rapid evolution of RF and quantum hardware demands not only diverse skills, but continuous access to real measurement environments. Learning alone is no longer sufficient—engineers must be able to measure, validate, and iterate on real hardware, regardless of location. This belief led me to establish Quaxys as a platform that combines remote access to real RF measurement hardware with focused, hands-on learning. The Quaxys Remote RF Lab enables engineers and teams to characterize components and systems in real time, save measurement data, and perform advanced post-processing—bridging the gap between theory, training, and real-world engineering practice.

Our exclusive proprietary hands-on IEEE-certified courses aim to share over a decade of my experience with engineers at all levels with the aim to

Measure real RF components and systems remotely using professional instruments
Build a persistent measurement record across products, models, and iterations
Validate designs with repeatable, traceable measurements
Accelerate learning and onboarding through real hardware access

CERTIFIED

Quaxys courses all adhere to IEEE’s strict standards of excellence. In addition to receiving IEEE certification, participants who successfully complete the required course modules and quizzes also receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

SPECIALIZED

Based on hundreds of interviews with employers and practitioners, we hand-picked course content to reflect only the most pertinent and in-demand skills in the RF and microwave, and quantum hardware industry. Those who complete our courses will be equipped with the expertise to research and develop technologies in quantum computing, RF and microwave engineering, and microwave plasma technology.

HANDS-ON

Quaxys provides the only self-paced online curriculum that can be combined with hands-on exercises using the Quaxys Kit designed to accelerate learning and workplace readiness for hardware professionals.

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RF & QUANTUM ENGINEERING PLATFORM

REQUEST A DEMO

Request a demo to see how Quaxys evaluates your RF engineering profile and enables hands-on measurements, structured workflows, and clear next steps using the Remote RF Lab.

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FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA

On my YouTube channel, I share insights into microwave and quantum engineering through two dedicated series: RF Wisdom and Quantum Wisdom.

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Microwave Techniques in Superconducting Quantum Computers

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