Semester Calendar Date

Measuring the knots & braids of non-Hermitian oscillators

Abstract: It may seem unlikely that rich mathematical structures remain to be uncovered in classical harmonic oscillators. Nevertheless, systems that combine non-reciprocity and loss have provided a number of surprises in recent years. I will describe how these systems naturally exhibit braids, knots, and other topological structures. I will also present measurements of these structures (using a cavity optomechanical system), and will describe their potential application in various control schemes.

CANCELLED: Programmable control of indistinguishable particles: from clocks to qubits to many-body physics

Abstract: Quantum information science seeks to exploit the collective behavior of a large quantum system to enable tasks that are impossible (or less possible!) with classical resources alone. This burgeoning field encompasses a variety of directions, ranging from metrology to computing. While distinguished in objective, all of these directions rely on the preparation and control of many identical particles or qubits. Meeting this need is a defining challenge of the field.

Quantum metrology with a trapped atom interferometer interrogated for one minute

Abstract: Precise control of quantum states allows atom interferometers to explore fundamental physics and perform inertial sensing. For atomic fountain interferometers, the measurement time is limited by the available free-fall time to a few seconds. We instead realize atom interferometry with a coherent spatial superposition state held by an optical lattice beyond 1 minute. This performance was made possible by recent advances in the understanding and control of coherence-limiting mechanisms.

Deployed quantum sensors and clocks

Abstract: Quantum sensors will broadly impact industries including transportation and logistics, telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and geophysical exploration. They offer transformative performance gains over conventional technologies; atomic clocks are precise to 1 second in 50 billion years. However, these laboratory devices are large, fragile, and expensive. Commercial quantum devices require redesign from the ground up with a focus on real-world operability.