Nanoscience

The world of nanoscience is defined by the study of the ultrasmall, specifically near the size of a nanometer, or a billionth of a meter. Carefully engineered systems at this scale, such as quantum dots and semiconductors, help enlarge the benefits of the quantum world by enhancing our control of quantum interactions.  

JILA's diverse nanoscience research encompasses investigations of innovative technologies, including nanoscale energy transport, nanostructures, and quantum devices. JILA’s study of these devices is aimed towards developing more efficient solar cells and data storage, and developing essential technology for the future of quantum computing.

Researchers in Nanoscience

Photograph of Eric Cornell. Eric Cornell
Focus: BEC, Precision Measurement, Molecules, Frequency Combs Role: Experimentalist
Photograph of Henry Kapteyn Henry Kapteyn
Focus: Ultrafast Lasers & X-Rays, Imaging, Chemical Physics, Quantum & Optical Science, Nanoscience, Materials, Molecular Science Role: Experimentalist
Photograph of Heather Lewandowski Heather Lewandowski
Focus: Cold Molecules, Chemical Physics Role: Experimentalist
Photograph of David Nesbitt David Nesbitt
Focus: Chemical Physics, Biophysics, Molecular Ions Role: Experimentalist
Photograph of Margaret Murnane Margaret Murnane
Focus: Ultrafast Lasers & X-Rays, Imaging, Chemical Physics, Quantum & Optical Science, Nanoscience, Materials, Molecular Science Role: Experimentalist
Photograph of Thomas T. Perkins Thomas T. Perkins
Focus: Biophysics, AFM, Optical Tweezers, Single Molecule Role: Experimentalist
Markus Raschke Markus Raschke
Focus: Ultrafast Nano-optics, Chemical Physics, Nanoscience Role: Experimentalist
Photograph of Jun Ye Jun Ye
Focus: Cold Atoms and Molecules, Frequency Combs, Ultrastable Lasers, Precision Measurement Role: Experimentalist
Shuo Sun photograph. Shuo Sun
Focus: Quantum Optics; Nanophotonics; Solid-state Quantum Information Processing Role: Experimentalist

Recent Highlights in Nanoscience

A diffractive optic creates two DUV beams, which are focused and interfered on a sample surface (diamond) using a 4f imaging system to generate a microscopic sinusoidal excitation profile.
Diamonds are Forever—But Not in Nanodevices

Ultrawide-bandgap semiconductors—such as diamond—are promising for next-generation electronics due to a larger energy gap between the valence and conduction bands, allowing them to handle higher voltages, operate at higher frequencies, and provide greater efficiency compared to traditional materials like silicon. However, their unique…

Tunable ultrafast XUV HHG captures the competing dynamics of spin-flips and spin-transfers in a Heusler Co2MnGa compound.
Unlocking the Secrets of Spin with High-Harmonic Probes

Deep within every piece of magnetic material, electrons dance to the invisible tune of quantum mechanics. Their spins, akin to tiny atomic tops, dictate the magnetic behavior of the material they inhabit. This microscopic ballet is the cornerstone of magnetic phenomena, and it's these spins that a team of JILA researchers—headed by JILA Fellows…

Hybrid integration of a designer nanodiamond with photonic circuits via ring resonators.
Diamonds in the Quantum Rough: A Sparkling Breakthrough

In quantum information science, many particles can act as “bits,” from individual atoms to photons. At JILA, researchers utilize these bits as “qubits,” storing and processing quantum 1s or 0s through a unique system. 

While many JILA Fellows focus on qubits found in nature, such as atoms and ions, JILA Associate Fellow and…

More Research Highlights