QMC Group Research Projects

Our group utilizes a combination of experimental and theoretical methods to study fundamental topics in quantum mechanics. Explore our ongoing research projects by following the links below.

Quantum Measurement Theory

Quantum theory tells us that two different physicists can perform identical experiments on two identical physical systems and get different answers because measurements have random outcomes! We are especially interested in Continuous Quantum Measurements, where a quantum system is measured repeatedly in time. Such processes blur the traditionally distinct roles of the Schroedinger equation and the projection postulate in describing the dynamics of quantum systems. Continuous measurements open the door to using Quantum Feedback and Optimal Control to manipulate quantum randomness.

Precision Metrology

Randomness in quantum mechanics is not only interesting from the perspective of fundamental physics; it also has practical implications. The very same devices that we use to keep time, or to measure the strength of an electromagnetic or gravitational field are also subject to quantum uncertainty. This results in a fundamental limit to applications like navigation, time-keeping, bioimaging, and many others. Our group studies ways to minimize the extent that quantum noise limits precision sensors, a program that combines research in the fundamental theory of Quantum Parameter Estimation with experiments to surpass conventional quantum limits in Atomic Magnetometry.

Quantum Phase Transitions

A quantum phase transition is an abrupt change in the properties of a quantum system, a bit like how the properties of water change when the temperature drops below freezing (a classical phase transition). Quantum phase transitions are different from their classical analogs because they still occur even when the system is at zero temperature, but they are similar in that they depend upon complex interactions between many different particles. Our experiment to Realize a Quantum Phase Transition with Trapped Atoms utilizes cutting-edge methods in quantum optics to study what happens when many atoms attempt to share a limited number of photons.