Departmental Research

The Department of Physics conducts formative research in cutting-edge areas such as quantum systems, nanophotonics, and optics. Faculty and both undergraduate and graduate students investigate together to significantly impact society by improving communications, computers, and the environment.

Research Areas

Atmospheric Physics

Atmospheric Physics Researchers

Knut Stamnes

Wei Li

Experimental AMO Physics

Experimental AMO Physics Researchers

Yuping Huang

Rainer Martini

Xiaofeng Qian

Stefan Strauf

Edward Whittaker

Quantum Gravitational Physics

Quantum Gravitational Physics Researchers

Ting Yu

Igor Pikovski

Igor Pikovski

The ability to manipulate and to control individual quantum systems enables novel technologies and new ways to study our Universe. In this theory group we use tools from quantum optics and quantum information theory to explore quantum phenomena in new regimes, especially at the interface with gravity. Focusing on capabilities of novel quantum systems that are experimentally accessible, our goals are to explore new applications for quantum technologies, to better understand the strengths and limitations of quantum theory and to show how the interplay between general relativity and quantum mechanics can be experimentally tested.
More About Igor Pikovski

Photonics and Quantum Materials

Photonics and Quantum Materials Researchers

Stefan Strauf

Yuping Huang

Rainer Martini

Chunlei Qu

Chunlei Qu

Topological states of quantum matter, protected by symmetry and characterized by nonlocal quantum correlation, are particularly robust against local distortions that inevitably occur in experiments. In this project, we will engineer and investigate topological states in various controllable quantum systems such as ultracold atoms and optical materials. Topological quantum matter offers a promising platform for intrinsically stable quantum computation and information processing.
More About Chunlei Qu
Chunlei Qu

The main focus of this project is to understand the properties of quantum many-body systems with strong interaction between constitute particles. The interplay of long-range interaction, external driving, disorder, and dissipation will be explored, and the build-up of quantum correlation will be characterized and controlled. The results will advance our understanding of many-body quantum systems and are expected to have a wide range of applications in quantum metrology and quantum information science.
More About Chunlei Qu

Quantum Information and Quantum Physics

Quantum Information and Quantum Physics Researchers

Yuping Huang

Svetlana Malinovskaya

Igor Pikovski

Xiaofeng Qian

Chunlei Qu

Rupak Chatterjee

Stefan Strauf

Ting Yu

Igor Pikovski

The ability to manipulate and to control individual quantum systems enables novel technologies and new ways to study our Universe. In this theory group we use tools from quantum optics and quantum information theory to explore quantum phenomena in new regimes, especially at the interface with gravity. Focusing on capabilities of novel quantum systems that are experimentally accessible, our goals are to explore new applications for quantum technologies, to better understand the strengths and limitations of quantum theory and to show how the interplay between general relativity and quantum mechanics can be experimentally tested.
More About Igor Pikovski
Chunlei Qu

Topological states of quantum matter, protected by symmetry and characterized by nonlocal quantum correlation, are particularly robust against local distortions that inevitably occur in experiments. In this project, we will engineer and investigate topological states in various controllable quantum systems such as ultracold atoms and optical materials. Topological quantum matter offers a promising platform for intrinsically stable quantum computation and information processing.
More About Chunlei Qu
Chunlei Qu

The main focus of this project is to understand the properties of quantum many-body systems with strong interaction between constitute particles. The interplay of long-range interaction, external driving, disorder, and dissipation will be explored, and the build-up of quantum correlation will be characterized and controlled. The results will advance our understanding of many-body quantum systems and are expected to have a wide range of applications in quantum metrology and quantum information science.
More About Chunlei Qu
Svetlana Malinovskaya

Trapped Rydberg atoms have been used as viable systems to study collective phenomena in many-body physics owing to strong long-range interatomic interactions and an extraordinary long lifetime of Rydberg states. They have been recognized as an effective platform to simulate interacting spin systems and to understand many-body quantum properties, such as quantum magnetism and nonlocal correlations. The ability to generate entangled states on demand is paramount to modern quantum-enabled technology. In this project, a methodology is proposed to create the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) and the W multipartite entangled states on the manifold of the ground and Rydberg states of trapped alkali atoms. The methodology is based on the two-photon adiabatic passage using linearly chirped pulses, with the Rabi frequencies overlapping to perform excitations within adiabatic regime. It is assumed for a generation of entangled states of different classes in various configurations of atoms, e.g., spin chains and arrays. While quantum optimization algorithms are beneficial for large systems with vanishing spectral gaps, our analytical method is more practical for systems of tens of atoms.
More About Svetlana Malinovskaya
Svetlana Malinovskaya

FUNDED BY THE OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH

We propose a novel approach for remote detection of hazardous contaminants. It is based on quantum-enabled coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) of laser radiation from distant molecules in the backward direction. The quantum enhancement is achieved by implementing a quantum control methodology which maximizes quantum coherence in the target molecules. The detection principle relies on a nonlinear optical response of the target molecules with a blue-shifted radiation generated coherently in the direction defined by the phase-matching condition in the four-wave mixing of CARS. The conguration of the laser beams implies the box scheme, with the anti-Stokes signal emerging from the fourth corner. It will be implemented on a multi-static platform such as nearby inflatables or unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). We assume a significant enhancement of the signal using quantum control approach within this laser conguration on the multi-static platform.
More About Svetlana Malinovskaya

Theoretical Quantum Optics

Theoretical Quantum Optics Researchers

Svetlana Malinovskaya

Igor Pikovski

Xiaofeng Qian

Chunlei Qu

Christopher Search

Ting Yu

Svetlana Malinovskaya

Trapped Rydberg atoms have been used as viable systems to study collective phenomena in many-body physics owing to strong long-range interatomic interactions and an extraordinary long lifetime of Rydberg states. They have been recognized as an effective platform to simulate interacting spin systems and to understand many-body quantum properties, such as quantum magnetism and nonlocal correlations. The ability to generate entangled states on demand is paramount to modern quantum-enabled technology. In this project, a methodology is proposed to create the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) and the W multipartite entangled states on the manifold of the ground and Rydberg states of trapped alkali atoms. The methodology is based on the two-photon adiabatic passage using linearly chirped pulses, with the Rabi frequencies overlapping to perform excitations within adiabatic regime. It is assumed for a generation of entangled states of different classes in various configurations of atoms, e.g., spin chains and arrays. While quantum optimization algorithms are beneficial for large systems with vanishing spectral gaps, our analytical method is more practical for systems of tens of atoms.
More About Svetlana Malinovskaya
Svetlana Malinovskaya

Funded by the Office of Naval Research

We propose a novel approach for remote detection of hazardous contaminants. It is based on quantum-enabled coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) of laser radiation from distant molecules in the backward direction. The quantum enhancement is achieved by implementing a quantum control methodology which maximizes quantum coherence in the target molecules. The detection principle relies on a nonlinear optical response of the target molecules with a blue-shifted radiation generated coherently in the direction defined by the phase-matching condition in the four-wave mixing of CARS. The conguration of the laser beams implies the box scheme, with the anti-Stokes signal emerging from the fourth corner. It will be implemented on a multi-static platform such as nearby inflatables or unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). We assume a significant enhancement of the signal using quantum control approach within this laser conguration on the multi-static platform.
More About Svetlana Malinovskaya
Igor Pikovski

The ability to manipulate and to control individual quantum systems enables novel technologies and new ways to study our Universe. In this theory group we use tools from quantum optics and quantum information theory to explore quantum phenomena in new regimes, especially at the interface with gravity. Focusing on capabilities of novel quantum systems that are experimentally accessible, our goals are to explore new applications for quantum technologies, to better understand the strengths and limitations of quantum theory and to show how the interplay between general relativity and quantum mechanics can be experimentally tested.
More About Igor Pikovski
Chunlei Qu

Topological states of quantum matter, protected by symmetry and characterized by nonlocal quantum correlation, are particularly robust against local distortions that inevitably occur in experiments. In this project, we will engineer and investigate topological states in various controllable quantum systems such as ultracold atoms and optical materials. Topological quantum matter offers a promising platform for intrinsically stable quantum computation and information processing.
More About Chunlei Qu
Chunlei Qu

The main focus of this project is to understand the properties of quantum many-body systems with strong interaction between constitute particles. The interplay of long-range interaction, external driving, disorder, and dissipation will be explored, and the build-up of quantum correlation will be characterized and controlled. The results will advance our understanding of many-body quantum systems and are expected to have a wide range of applications in quantum metrology and quantum information science.
More About Chunlei Qu

Research Labs

The Department of Physics conducts formative research in pioneering areas such as quantum systems, nanophotonics and optics.

CQSE

The Center for Quantum Science & Engineering pursues innovative quantum engineering research, development and education .

CQSE

Light & Life Laboratory

Becoming global leaders in remote sensing of the environment and in the development of instruments for measuring environmental changes

Light & Life Laboratory

NanoPhotonics Lab

Fabrication and quantum-optical characterization of functional nanostructured devices made from compound semiconductors and graphitic nanomaterials

NanoPhotonics Laboratory

Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy

Investigates the high-speed response of new lasers and materials and passive and active optical systems for higher speed networks

Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy and Communication Laboratory

Ultrafast Quantum Control

Designs quantum control methods which are paramount in modern investigations of light-matter interactions and technological applications

Ultrafast Dynamics and Control Theory Lab

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Research Areas

CQSE

Light & Life Laboratory

NanoPhotonics Lab

Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy

Ultrafast Quantum Control