Isolated THz magnetic fields

Magnetic fields are usually created in metal conductors, often organized in a single rotation loop. The field is calculated using the Biot-Savart law while the time-response is limited by inductance. SLAC, has recently been used to minimize inductance by employing the magnetic field around a relativistic electron beam. The field can peak at several Tesla, in a time window of 1-2 ps.

We propose to use quantum interference as a different way to minimize inductance. Here, current is injected directly into a material by using the interference between a one and two photon pathway leading to the same energy electron. The current direction is determined by electron interference. We thereby minimize the circuit inductance while inducing a localized magnetic field.

Thus, we use quantum physics in a fundamental way to create pulses that could not be otherwise produced. In addition, with an isolated magnetic field, we can create any superposition of spin states with a pulsed magnetic field. This is a second way that we will impact quantum physics. We plan to create a magnetic field of sufficient magnitude to switch the two-level quantum system of a Bohr magnetron on a picosecond time scale.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Corkum

Student:

Partner:

Stanford University

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: