Alex Kuzmichi
Cullen-Peck Assistant Professor

Prof. Kuzmich's laboratory is investigating topics in atomic physics, quantum metrology, and quantum information. The research utilizes samples of ultra-cold atomic gases suspended in high vacuum using electromagnetic fields. A subject of current interest is studies of multi-atom entanglement and its applications to scalable quantum communication networks.

Chandra Raman
Assistant Professor

Professor Raman's laboratory investigates quantum mechanics on macroscopic scales using ultralow temperature gases. Atoms are cooled by laser light and are suspended inside a vacuum chamber forming a Bose-Einstein condensate at about one millionth of a degree above absolute zero. This quantum gas has dramatic properties such as superfludity and can form quantized vortices. His work focuses on tailoring matter wave properties using magnetic and optical fields to exhibit novel quantum effects. This research combines techniques from lasers and optics with electronics and vacuum technology.

Li You
Professor

The spectacular development of new sources of electromagnetic radiation, in particular the rapid development of laser technology, has resulted in a considerable number of studies of photon-atom interactions. This study of light-matter interaction is founded on the precise theory of quantum electrodynamics, although the spectrum of interest to atomic physicists lies mostly in the low energy nonrelativistic regime. In contrast to situations in high energy or particle field theory, the reaction rates in atomic physics can be high due to both the resonant behavior of the atom and the coherent nature of laser light. New methods have been developed to obtain more precise information about the structure and dynamics of atoms and molecules, for controlling their internal and external degrees of freedom, for modifying the chemical reaction rates, and for generating new types of radiation.

The research interests of Dr. You includes a range of topics in light/matter interactions (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical physics).

Brian Kennedy
Professor

In recent years the group's research has focussed on several themes of ultra-low temperature atomic physics and quantum optics. Recent projects include studies of atomic Fermi gas transport in optical lattices, spin squeezing of atomic ensembles and Bose-Einstein condensate mixtures, and the role of quantum fluctuations in the temporal break up of spatial solitary waves in nonlinear optical parametric processes.

Uzi Landman
Regents' and Institute Professor

The structure, dynamics, and properties of materials are governed by microscopic-level interactions and processes. Basic understanding of material processes requires knowledge of the underlying energetics and the fundamental interaction, transport, growth, and transformation mechanisms on a refined level.

Research in the Center for Computational Materials Science focuses on the development of analytical models and novel computer-based classical and quantum molecular dynamics simulations for investigations of a wide range of condensed matter phenomena, such as the following: equilibrium structure and the dynamics of solid surfaces, equilibrium and nonequilibrium growth processes at solid-liquid interfaces and phase transformations, epitaxy and melting; heterogeneous (surface) reaction dynamics; the formation and properties of glasses; surface diffusion; atomic-scale friction and lubrication; confined complex fluids; electron localization and excitation dynamics of small clusters; and the dynamics of cluster fission.