JILA Auditorium

JILA’s time – a brief history of the Sr atomic clock

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Abstract: 

Precise control of quantum states of matter and innovative laser technology are revolutionizing the performance of atomic clocks and metrology, providing opportunities to observe new quantum phenomena and explore fundamental physics. In this talk I will present the development of an optical atomic clock in the historical context of JILA’s science.

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Dissecting the Gait of Molecular Motors: Ultraresolution Optical Trapping Using Germanium Nanospheres

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Abstract: Simultaneously measuring the nanoscale motion and forces that molecular machines generate provides insights into how they work mechanically to fulfill their cellular function.  To study these machines, we developed germanium nanospheres as probes for optical tweezers.  With these high–refractive index nanospheres, we have improved the resolution of optical tweezers and discovered that the motor kinesin takes 4-nanometer substeps.  Further, instead of detaching from their microtubule track under load, motors slid back on it, enabling rapid re-engagem

Exploring strongly correlated quantum matter using cavity quantum electrodynamics

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Abstract: Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) is one of the most powerful framework to observe and leverage quantum phenomena. While it has been thoroughly studied for simple quantum systems such as two-level systems or harmonic oscillators, it has only recently become available for complex, correlated quantum many-body systems. In the last five years, we have developed systems combining cavity QED with ultra-cold Fermi gases [1].