The Will Lab studies quantum systems of ultracold atoms and molecules. The lab cools atoms and molecules to temperatures less than a millionth of a degree above absolute zero, where atomic behavior is fully governed by quantum mechanics. Under these conditions, the lab controls individual quantum particles and their interactions with high precision using atomic physics tools, enabling novel platforms for many-body quantum physics, quantum simulation, quantum computing, and quantum optics. Their work spans from fundamental physics—including the first molecular Bose–Einstein condensates—to applied quantum technologies such as large-scale atomic tweezer arrays, opening new approaches to quantum information science and quantum networking.

In the last decade, with the commissioning of high sensitivity radio telescopes, we have opened a new window into the faint radio sky. These novel facilities probe fundamental physical processes that regulate star formation and characterize star formation in normal, Milky Way-like galaxies over the history of the universe. While commissioning the MeerKAT radio telescope, I utilized its unprecedented sensitivity to measure the star formation history of the universe, revealing that prior observations likely missed half the star formation at all cosmic times. This discrepancy has critical implications across astrophysics: estimates of gravitational wave events, the frequency of astrophysical transients, and even when elements prevalent in planet formation were synthesized. I have used these same high-sensitivity radio facilities to place critical constraints on the drivers of galactic winds, which we believe regulate star formation across all of cosmic time. In this talk, I will present these findings and outline programs I am leading and developing with JWST and next generation radio facilities such as the Deep Synoptic Array (DSA) to improve our observational constraints on the rate and regulation of star formation both locally and at the earliest epochs of the universe.

On April 22nd, we will have over 100 high school students from Englewood, Northglenn, and Skyline High Schools presenting physics, engineering, and chemistry-related projects they have been working on this semester/year under the guidance of undergraduate and graduate PISEC mentors. The poster session gives high school students the chance to engage in authentic scientific communication practices and talk with experts about their projects. Please consider attending to chat with the students about their projects and enjoy some refreshments.

*PISEC is a partnership-based community engagement program that connects CU volunteers with local K-12 students to engage in hands-on, inquiry based STEM experiments and projects. We have programs at the elementary through high school levels and strive to cultivate youths’ interest in STEM and support their STEM identity development. Through mutually beneficial partnerships, we work to create pathways into STEM disciplines while also supporting the identity and professional development of our university volunteers. 

Condensed matter physics aims to explore and understand various quantum phenomena that emerge from the interactions between nuclei and electrons. Through synthesizing and investigating various crystals, this constructionism approach has led to the discovery of many amazing phenomena, especially when the principles of electron correlation and topology play important roles. The settings of such conventional crystals are often very complicated, making it hard to extract the essential ingredients and understand the underlying physics. In this talk, I will show our efforts on establishing a new paradigm, based on a material known as rhombohedral graphene, which is part of natural graphite. Rhombohedral graphene has the simplest chemistry and structure, yet can be controlled by a set of experimental knobs to exhibit many intriguing phenomena in condensed matter physics. Beyond phenomena that were familiar, I will focus on two newly observed quantum phases of matter, chiral superconductor and fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect. I will show their construction, phenomena, and implications for quantum many-body physics and applications. In the end, I will discuss new opportunities to be explored in this new paradigm.

I will discuss the standards of time and frequency and how these standards have evolved over the centuries. I will present the current definitions of time and frequency and how these definitions are likely to evolve in the coming years.

Join us as we take a grand tour of the tiny stuff that makes up our universe. We’ll explore the secrets of light, discover how to create brilliant colors, and learn how to control beams of energy to make lasers! Then, we’ll shrink down into the microscopic realm to see how atoms interact to build everything around us. Finally, we'll put it all together to see how this weird and wild science is shaping our future through mind-bending quantum computing and super-sensing!

For over 40 years, CU Wizards has been introducing PK-12 students to the wonders of the natural world. All are invited to attend these FREE monthly Saturday morning shows!

TBA