JILA X317

The Kapitza pendulum, an inverted pendulum that is inherently unstable yet dynamically stabilized by high-frequency modulation of its pivot, is perhaps the most iconic example of dynamical stabilization of a single-particle system. Dynamical stabilization in the quantum many-body regime, however, remains largely unexplored, especially from an experimental perspective. In the first part of this talk, I will discuss experiments on ultracold atoms confined using time-periodic attractive and repulsive Gaussian potentials, the time average of which is zero [1] or positive.

Optical lattice clocks that interrogates N atoms for an interrogation time T can, in principle, reach the quantum-projection-noise (QPN) instability σ_y (τ)∼1/(πν_0 T√Nτ), with ν_0 the clock frequency and τ the averaging time. In practice, however, dead time between preparation and readout aliases the local-oscillator (LO) frequency noise (Dick effect [1]), so the achievable instability is set by the LO noise spectrum and the duty cycle rather than by the QPN limit. This motivates zero-dead-time (ZDT) operation, which removes aliasing by maintaining continuous interrogation.

Join us to explore the science and engineering behind the light sources that enable advanced semiconductor manufacturing. This lecture connects industrial innovation at ASML and CLS with fundamental physics, highlighting how precision engineering, high‑power lasers, and decades of development shape modern technology.

What really changes when you step outside academia? And what do you wish someone had told you before you made the leap? ASML employees will share candid stories about challenges, trade‑offs, and unexpected wins along the way. We’ll talk openly about professional shifts, visibility, mentorship, and the often-invisible skills that shape careers beyond publications and CVs. Designed as a conversation rather than a lecture, the session leaves plenty of space for questions, reflections, and real dialogue.

Jayson Stewart shares his personal journey from JILA to ASML and what surprised him most about moving from academia into industry. The talk is intentionally light on technical details and focuses on real-world lessons and how life at JILA prepares one for a career with impact. Expect candid reflections, practical advice, and plenty of time for Q&A.​

Continuous-variable quantum systems enable encoding complex states in fewer modes through large-scale non-Gaussian states. Motion, as a continuous degree of freedom, underlies phenomena from Cooper pair dynamics to levitated macroscopic objects. Hence, realizing high-energy, spatially extended motional states remains key for advancing quantum sensing, simulation, and foundational tests.
In the talk, I will present the following control tasks for various nonlinear mechanical systems, including trapped atoms, levitated particles, and clamped oscillators with spin-motion coupling.

Rydberg atoms in optical tweezers have become a leading platform for both quantum simulation and quantum computing. However, they are often limited by their relatively short lifetime of a few tens of microseconds. One way to overcome this limitation is to use Rydberg atoms with maximum angular momentum (m = l = n-1), known as circular states. When placed in a cryogenic environment, these states can exhibit lifetimes of several milliseconds. Circular states of alkaline-earth-like atoms offer additional advantages.

The promise of universal quantum computing hinges on scalable single- and inter-qubit control interactions. Photon systems offer strong isolation from environmental disturbances and provide speed and timing advantages while facing challenges in achieving deterministic photon-photon interactions necessary for scalable universal quantum computing.