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
Zhuang X
(2011)
Franck-Condon factors and radiative lifetime of the A2?(1/2)-X2S+ transition of ytterbium monofluoride, YbF.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Zaïr A
(2013)
Molecular internal dynamics studied by quantum path interferences in high order harmonic generation
in Chemical Physics
Wall TE
(2011)
Stark deceleration of CaF molecules in strong- and weak-field seeking states.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Wall T
(2009)
Transport of polar molecules by an alternating-gradient guide
in Physical Review A
Wall T
(2010)
Nonadiabatic transitions in a Stark decelerator
in Physical Review A
Torres R
(2010)
Revealing molecular structure and dynamics through high-order harmonic generation driven by mid-IR fields
in Physical Review A
Torres R
(2010)
Extension of high harmonic spectroscopy in molecules by a 1300 nm laser field.
in Optics express
Tokunaga S
(2011)
Prospects for sympathetic cooling of molecules in electrostatic, ac and microwave traps
in The European Physical Journal D
Tokunaga S
(2009)
Stark deceleration of lithium hydride molecules
in New Journal of Physics
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 |