1D Bose Gases
Ultra-cold atoms in optical lattices allow the study of a wide range of many-body systems, in and out of equilibrium. We have focused our work on 1D Bose gases, once a mathematical construct and now a vibrant experimental field.
Cs Electric Dipole Moment
The measurement of a permanent electric dipole moment would constitute the first direct observation of time-reversal symmetry breaking, with important implications for the Standard Model of Physics.
Neutral Atom Quantum Computing
Neutral atoms are excellent qubits. They are identical and only interact with the outside world or each other in well-controlled ways. We are working to create novel many-atom entangled states, on a path to a universal quantum computer.
About our Lab
In all our experiments, we laser cool atoms to microKelvin and nanoKelvin temperatures and trap them using light. Many of our light traps are optical lattices, which can confine atoms in 3D arrays of sites, in stacks of pancake-like 2D traps, or in bundles of 1D tubes.
Atoms in optical lattices are model quantum mechanical systems. Our three distinct apparatuses applies these model systems to the study of three distinct kinds of physics. Our quantum computing apparatus aims to use individual atoms as qubits, in order to study novel entangled states and with an eye toward a universal quantum computer. Our Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) apparatus studies a wide range of many-body physics. Most notably, we create 1D Bose gases, which are nearly integrable many-body systems that enable the experimental study of quantum dynamics and the fundamentals of statistical mechanics. Our electric dipole moment search apparatus is designed to make superlative precision measurements of Cs atoms in electric fields. We can measure polarizabilities of interest to fundamental physics studies and most importantly, search for the permanent electric dipole moment of the Cs atom, which is a search for physics beyond the standard model.
There are typically research positions available for postdocs, graduate students and undergraduate students on all these exciting projects. For more information, contact dsweiss@phys.psu.edu.
