Quantum Optics of Quantum Many-Body Systems

Research

Theoretical quantum optics of ultracold quantum gases

Studying the ultimate quantum limit of the light-matter interaction

A new REVIEW PAPER is available at arXiv:1203.0552

Both quantum optics and many-body physics of the lowest achievable temperatures are very active fields of modern research. However, the interaction between them is far from being complete.

In the most theoretical and experimental works on ultracold atoms, the role of light is reduced to a classical tool for preparing intriguing atomic states. In contrast, the main goal of this research is to develop a theory of the phenomena, where the quantum natures of both ultracold matter and light play equally important roles.

This research will close the gap between quantum optics and physics of ultracold quantum matter, considering the ultimate quantum regime of the light-matter interaction. The experiments on this regime became possible just several years ago, which makes the interaction between the theory and experiment promising.

First, the quantized light serves as a quantum nondemolition (QND) probe sensitive to the quantum states of ultracold particles. The applications exist for ultracold atomic gases (Nature Physics (2007), Phys. Rev. Lett. (2007), Phys. Rev. A (2007), Laser Physics (2009)), polar molecules (Phys. Rev. Lett. (2011), Phys. Rev. A (2011), arXiv (2011)) and other systems as well.

Second, due to the light-matter entanglement, the quantum measurement-based preparation of many-body atomic states is possible. The class of emerging atomic states can be chosen via optical geometry, thus, the light scattering constitutes a quantum measurement with a controllable form of the measurement back-action. For example, the atom number squeezed and Schrödinger cat states can be prepared. (Phys. Rev. Lett. (2009), Phys. Rev. A (2009), Laser Physics (2010), Laser Phys. (2011))

Third, trapping atoms inside an optical cavity one creates the light potential, which is a quantized and dynamical variable itself, rather a prescribed classical function as it is usual in the quantum gas problems. In the cavity QED with quantum gases, the self-consistent solution for light and particles is required, which enriches the picture of quantum many-body states of atoms trapped in quantum potentials. (Eur. Phys. Journal D (2008), Phys. Rev. A (2007))

The application of those fully quantum models to the systems of semiconductor nanophotonics are of interest as well.

PhD position is now available!

A new PhD position in Theoretical Quantum Optics of Ultracold Quantum Gases and Nanostructures is available at the University of Oxford, Department of Physics.

The project’s main target is merging quantum optics and many-body physics of quantum gases, using theoretical methods of atomic and condensed matter physics. We will address phenomena, where the quantum natures of both light and ultracold matter play equally important roles. Modern theoretical and experimental studies are just entering this ultimate quantum regime of the light-matter interaction. Applications for quasiparticles in the systems of quantum nanophotonics are of interest as well. For more information, please, see www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/contacts/people/Mekhov

The candidates with expertise in either Atomic, Molecular and Optical or Condensed Matter Physics are welcomed to apply. The position is fully funded for EU-related students. Other candidates may apply but are required to provide funding to cover additional fees.

To express the intention to apply, and for informal inquiries about the project and application procedure, please, contact the project leader Dr. Igor Mekhov ( www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/contacts/people/Mekhov ). The admission will be closed soon. Please, apply asap.

The application should be submitted online. Please see http://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/study-here/postgraduates/atomic-and-laser-p... for information on the requirements on academic ability and English Language skills. For information on How to Apply and an application form, please see well in advance http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/index.html A PDF copy of your application for Graduate Admissions should also be sent to The Administrative Secretary, Atomic and Laser Physics, Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, or by email to alp [at] physics [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk. Please quote 11ATOM002 on your application and all correspondence.

The general description of research at the sub-department of Atomic and Laser Physics can be found here

Postdoc position will be available

Postdoc position will be available.