Session B01: Plenary Prize Session

Faculty Member for Research in an Undergraduate Institution Prize Talk: Theoretical AMO Physics at an Undergraduate Institution

Theoretical physics research poses a challenge for engaging undergraduate student participation. Undergraduates usually have not developed the mathematical and computational skill sets needed to begin the research. At Penn State Berks, we get around this difficulty by treating quantum mechanical interactions and dynamics as a black box with input/output quantum numbers. The black box is typically a sophisticated close-coupling code which remains outside the scope of the student research project. Nevertheless, the students are often able to make valuable contributions through data collection, analysis, and modeling. In the process, they develop foundational skills for their future while helping to advance the larger goals of the theoretical research. Several recent examples in the context of molecular astrophysics will be reported in the talk.   

Norman F. Ramsey Prize Talk: Quantum matter and atomic clocks

Building on advanced laser science and precise state engineering of quantum matter, a new generation of optical atomic clocks is advancing measurement capabilities to new levels that promise greater opportunities for probing fundamental and emerging phenomena.   

I.I. Rabi Prize in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics talk: Bringing together Chemistry and Physics with Ultracold Polar Molecules

Ultracold polar molecules are sought-after for a range of goals, from studying ultracold chemical reactions to building quantum simulators and computers. On the one hand, reactions at~ultracold temperatures could provide unprecedented quantum state detection of long-lived reaction intermediates.~ Such experiments aim to improve our understanding of quantum dynamics and provide benchmark results for state-of-the-art calculations. We combine AMO physics and physical chemistry techniques to report the first direct evidence of ultracold reactions of KRb.~ On the other hand, bringing single particle control and imaging capabilities to molecules promises new quantum applications, enabled by the rich internal degrees of freedom and inter-molecular coupling.~ I will present our experimental work with individual ultracold molecules in pursuit of quantum simulation, quantum information processing, and ultracold chemistry with precise initial reactant preparation.   

Francis M. Pipkin Award Talk: Molecular lattice clock with long vibrational coherence

Atomic clocks are at the forefront of fundamental physics tests, detection of general relativistic effects, and studies of many-body systems. On the other hand, molecular structure offers a wide range of distinct energy scales that are at the heart of new protocols in precision measurement and quantum information science. Here we describe a fundamentally new type of lattice clock that is based on vibrations in diatomic strontium molecules, and present coherent Rabi oscillations between weakly and deeply bound molecules that persist for tens of milliseconds. This is made possible by a careful control of molecular quantum states, and by a state-insensitive magic lattice trap that weakly couples to molecular vibronic resonances and enhances the coherence time between molecules and light by several orders of magnitude, resulting in a quality factor of nearly a trillion. Our technique of extended coherence across the entire molecular potential depth is applicable to long-term storage of quantum information in qubits based on ultracold polar molecules, while the vibrational clock enables precise probes of interatomic forces, tests of Newtonian gravitation at ultrashort range, and model-independent searches for electron-to-proton mass ratio variations.