Coherence Phenomena: From Atomic and Matter-Light Condensates to Wave Propagation in Random Media

While correlated metals, semi-conductors and insulators continue to provide arena to explore quantum coherence phenomena, in recent years, the field of quantum condensed matter has received fresh impetus through the development of novel experimental architectures. At the forefront of these developments has been the ability to trap, cool and control dilute atomic alkali gases. Over the course of just ten years, experimentalists have achieved several significant milestones including atomic and molecular Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC), Fermi condensation, and the crossover between the two. At the same time, in the field of semi-conductor quantum optics, experimentalists have reported the first signatures of quantum degeneracy in polariton (coupled exciton-light) systems providing evidence for BEC in the solid state environment. Motivated by these developments, we have proposed a complementary programme of research which addresses and exploits novel aspects of coherence and condensation phenomena in these systems ranging from studies of non-equilibrium and mesoscopic phenomena, as a separate part of the programme, we have proposed a project on wave propagation in open random media and its application to the problem of wireless communication.