Quantum Coherence: Joint Proposal for Optimising UK Research Capacity and Capability
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The defining character of quantum mechanics is coherence / the superposition of correlated states of many particles. Quantum correlated and entangled states lie at the heart of several major areas of physics, especially quantum optics, atomic physics and quantum condensed matter. The ability to control precisely a broad range of systems from ultracold atoms in optical lattices to internal states of molecules to semiconductor nanostructures has led to important breakthroughs in the understanding and potential applications of entanglement. Because the same principles underlie the rich but sometimes impenetrable physics of quantum matter, these advances open a window on challenging problems in materials. The fortunate fertility already evident in condensed matter materials suggests strongly that major benefits will accrue from exerting full quantum control of complex systems. Within this proposal we shall tackle this demanding new challenge. The underlying concepts and technologies of coherent control and manipulation in atomic, molecular and optical physics are now sufficiently established that it is possible to consider the synthesis of designer quantum states of atoms and molecules that can address a number of outstanding problems in condensed matter and optical physics. Furthermore, the ability to build large-scale quantum coherent systems represents such a new capability that we can anticipate new physics, as yet unimagined, as well as new technologies, to emerge. The method of approach will be to increase UK research capacity by the appointment of new faculty and the establishment of state of the art research laboratories and facilities, and the nurturing of collaborative research programs across several institutions. This will be complemented by implementing new training programs at the graduate and postdoctoral researcher level that will be broadly available to the UK community.
Publications
Baker S
(2011)
Femtosecond to attosecond light pulses from a molecular modulator
in Nature Photonics
Bartram D
(2010)
Control of dephasing in rotationally hot molecules
in Physical Review A
Baumgärtner F
(2010)
Measuring energy differences by BEC interferometry on a chip.
in Physical review letters
Buhmann S
(2008)
Surface-induced heating of cold polar molecules
in Physical Review A
Bulleid N
(2012)
Traveling-wave deceleration of heavy polar molecules in low-field-seeking states
in Physical Review A
Goldwin J
(2011)
Fast cavity-enhanced atom detection with low noise and high fidelity.
in Nature communications
Goldwin J
(2008)
Tight focusing of plane waves from micro-fabricated spherical mirrors.
in Optics express
Hinds E
(2009)
Cold Molecules - Theory, Experiment, Applications
Hinds EA
(2009)
Momentum Exchange between Light and a Single Atom: Abraham or Minkowski?
in Physical review letters
Hudson JJ
(2011)
Improved measurement of the shape of the electron.
in Nature
Description | Led to development of 2d mass spectrometry concept that is now being developed for commercialisation and further science |
First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Leadership of the STFC NLS project 2008-2010 that advised on the construction of a UK X-ray free electron laser |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £5,800,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/I032517/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2011 |
End | 05/2017 |
Description | MBI Berlin |
Organisation | Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy; Research Network Berlin |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | An enduring collaboration was established through the subsequent transfer of one of the academics supported by the grant (Prof Mikhail Ivanov) to the Max Born Institute. We continue to work on experiments on topics of mutual interest providing benchmark data for their calculations. |
Collaborator Contribution | Multiple examples of supporting calculations from their large team of computational and theoretical physicists that has aided in interpretation of our experiments. |
Impact | Multiple joint publications |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | High Harmonic spectroscopy of attosecond electron dynamics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | |
Results and Impact | Invited tutorial. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity |