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
Skoff S
(2009)
Doppler-free laser spectroscopy of buffer-gas-cooled molecular radicals
in New Journal of Physics
Skoff S
(2011)
Diffusion, thermalization, and optical pumping of YbF molecules in a cold buffer-gas cell
in Physical Review A
Sukiasyan S
(2012)
Attosecond cascades and time delays in one-electron photoionization
in Physical Review A
Sukiasyan S
(2010)
Exchange and polarization effect in high-order harmonic imaging of molecular structures
in Physical Review A
Sukiasyan S
(2009)
Correlated few-electron dynamics in intense laser fields
in Chemical Physics
Sukiasyan S
(2009)
Multielectron correlation in high-harmonic generation: a 2D model analysis.
in Physical review letters
Sukiasyan S
(2009)
Signatures of bound-state-assisted nonsequential double ionization
in Physical Review A
Tarbutt M
(2008)
Nonlinear dynamics in an alternating gradient guide for neutral particles
in New Journal of Physics
Tarbutt M.R.
(2009)
Preparation and manipulation of molecules for fundamental physics tests
in Cold Molecules: Theory, Experiment, Applications
Tarbutt MR
(2009)
Prospects for measuring the electric dipole moment of the electron using electrically trapped polar molecules.
in Faraday discussions
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 |