New opportunities in metrology and quantum science with multi-electron atoms: superradiant lasers, 2D dipolar supersolids, and optical tweezer arrays.

Abstract: Cold atoms provide an ideal platform for many aspects of quantum science, from metrology to simulation to quantum computing and networking.  These applications stem from their status as simple quantum objects, whose degrees of freedom can be controlled and entangled, and whose properties are identical and constant. However, while it is tempting to think of atoms as interchangeable and abstract players in our various schemes, the unique structure of different atomic species can often define which applications are possible.  In this talk I will present a set of experiments that are all enabled by the properties of atoms with two or more valence electrons:  I will describe how narrow and ultranarrow transitions in the two-electron atoms strontium and ytterbium provide new opportunities for metrology when combined with optical cavities or optical tweezers, as well as novel forms of cooling and atomic imaging that enable new capabilities for quantum computation.  Increasing the atomic complexity one step further, I will then describe how the large magnetic moment present in the lanthanide atoms erbium and dysprosium as a result of unpaired f-shell electrons can open new directions in the study of quantum gases -- in this case, quantum gases with two-dimensional supersolid properties.