Physics Seminar: Fast Quantum Control of Ultracold Atoms

Dr. E. Carlo Samson
Miami University

Abstract

Atomtronics is an emerging field in quantum technology that deals with “atomic circuit” architectures of ultracold atoms, with applications ranging from inertial sensing to quantum computing.  An important element of any atomtronic circuit is the capability of manipulating or guiding ultracold atoms within the circuit through optical or magnetic fields.  For applications that require short execution times, fast manipulation of the atoms is required but can cause degradation of the quantum coherence needed for the intended quantum application.  New protocols, called shortcuts-to-adiabaticity (STAs), have been recently proposed to prevent quantum decoherence while allowing for fast quantum control.   In this talk, I will discuss an STA protocol for the spatial transport of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) using dynamic laser-generated potentials, and its possible use in inertial sensing applications of BEC interferometers.

Biography

Dr. E. Carlo Samson is a JC & CE Garland Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Miami University.  He received his PhD in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona, where he studied quantum turbulence and quantum vortices in Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) of rubidium-87 atoms.  Dr. Samson did his postdoctoral research work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he developed an atomic analog of SQUIDs for rotation sensing.  At Miami University, he heads the experimental BEC research group, which is currently constructing Miami’s first BEC machine.