Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate Research Areas

Quantum Applications with Cold Atoms

Advisor: Lee, Patricia J. (patricia.j.lee26.civ@mail.mil   301-394-1917)
Keywords: Cold Atoms, Quantum Information, Sensors, Metrology, Laser Cooling, Quantum Network

Recent developments in understanding and controlling ultracold atoms, with their intrinsic quantum mechanical nature, have opened new frontiers in advanced quantum technology and quantum devices.  By exploiting the wave properties of ultracold atoms, matter-wave interferometers have been predicted to be potentially many orders of magnitude more sensitive than their analogous optical interferometers.  Currently we have an atom chip apparatus in our laboratory for conducting atom interferometry experiments.  We are interested in investigating various techniques using static magnetic fields, radio frequency, microwave and optical fields to control and manipulate atoms for sensing and clock applications.

Ultracold atoms can also be a versatile platform for implementing quantum information processing due to its coherence and controllability.  We are working towards connecting atomic memories to a quantum network, which is essential for long-distance quantum communication and distributed quantum computing.