Past Events

“Reimagining the Exploration of Fundamental Interactions with AI”

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Abstract: Particle, nuclear, and astrophysics experiments are producing massive amounts of data to answer fundamental questions about the basic constituents of our universe.  While researchers in these areas have been using advanced data science tools for decades, modern machine learning has introduced a paradigm shift whereby data can be directly analyzed holistically without first compressing it into a more manageable and human understandable format.  How will the machines help us explore the unknown?  Can they be trusted to give us the right answers?

Exploring (some of) the rich physics of dipolar lattice gases

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Abstract: Ultracold dipolar gases, formed by atoms or molecules with strong dipole-dipole interactions, present radically different physics compared to their non-dipolar counterparts. In this talk, I will focus on dipolar gases in optical lattices or tweezer arrays. I will first discuss the case of spin models realized by pinned dipoles in optical lattices, commenting on the intriguing relaxation dynamics of spin patterns in bilayer and ladder set ups, and then briefly browsing over some interesting disorder scenarios in dipolar spin models.

Towards quantum simulation of strongly interacting topological matter

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Abstract: 

The interplay of topological order and strong interactions gives rise to exciting many-body physics such as the fractional quantum Hall effect, whose microscopic properties can be unveiled using neutral atom-based quantum simulators. However, the experimental challenges due to the need to engineer an artificial magnetic field, especially in presence of interactions, have so far limited possible studies to small systems with few particles.

Connecting a narrow Th-229 nuclear clock transition with Sr optical clock via a VUV frequency comb

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Streaming in the JILA Auditorium from 2024 DAMOP Session Y02 Hot Topics

Abstract: We observed a narrow (~100 kHz) 229Th nuclear clock transition in Th-doped CaF2 crystals using a VUV frequency comb. The VUV comb directly links the 229Th nuclear transition frequency to the JILA Sr optical clock, enabling determination of the absolute 229Th clock frequency. These results represent a milestone in building solid-state nuclear clocks for precision measurements and fundamental physics.

Measuring How Students Measure

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Abstract: Physics education research in undergraduate laboratory courses is vital to ensure that these courses achieve their learning goals, such as developing hands-on technical skills and mastering concepts and practices related to measurement uncertainty. In this talk, I cover my role in developing a research-based assessment instrument, the Survey of Physics Reasoning on Uncertainty Concepts in Experiments (SPRUCE).

A Transportable Ytterbium Optical Lattice Clock with Eighteen Digits of Accuracy

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Abstract: 

We present the development and uncertainty evaluation of a transportable ytterbium optical lattice clock, achieving a total systematic uncertainty level of 3.7 ×10-18. We also report a field test of the clock after transporting it to Washington DC, demonstrating the clock’s reliability and readiness to contribute to scientific efforts such as the redefinition of the SI second and frequency-based measurements of Earth’s geopotential.

Adiabatic passage and geometric phases: are they hot or not?

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In this informal seminar I will present an appraisal of adiabatic passage which transforms quantum states much better than one should expect (and I will explain why this is the case). And I will discuss an often stated claim that geometric phases, used in many  gate proposals for quantum computing, are particularly robust because of their geometric character (and I will explain why I think this is not the case).

STROBE 2024 NSF Site Review: Audit Results and Lessons Learned

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Join us for a presentation about the recent STROBE NSF Site Review that took place in January 2024. From an institute perspective, this presentation will cover the entire timeline of the review, the types of inquiries and CU's response to the review team, and best practices and tips for working with reviewers. Discussion and question/answer will follow the presentation. All are welcome!

Coherent Control of Metastable States - A View from Behind the Computer Screen

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Creating, understanding, and controlling metastable states of quantum matter is highly interesting due to the prospects of enabling ultrafast and energy efficient devices with novel functionality. Recent estimates indicates that non-thermal pathways to metastable phases may require several orders of magnitude less energy than a thermally driven process. In addition, hidden states of matter may be accessed if a system out of equilibrium follow trajectories to a state inaccessible, or nonexistent, under normal equilibrium conditions.

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