New quantum materials and new quantum sensors using ultra-cold atoms

The aim of this research internship is to contribute to our group’s research program using laser cooled gases to
explore fundamental phenomena of quantum materials and to use them to realize new quantum sensors. This research program has two main objectives – the use of ultra-cold atomic and molecular gases to (1) realize new quantum sensors with scientific, industrial and/or commercial applications and to (2) investigate fundamental questions concerning few and many-body quantum phenomena relevant for quantum materials development and research. Both objectives have both short and long term goals (that extend beyond this grant). The short term goal for the quantum sensor research theme is to establish cold atoms as the international, primary pressure standard for UHV. The long term goal is to investigate the applications of this new sensor to flux measurements relevant for semi- conductor fabrication processes. The short term goal for the quantum materials research theme is to observe many- body fermi-fermi and bose-fermi pairing phenomenon in ultra-cold atomic gases relevant to quantum materials and related to electron-electron pairing in superconductors. The plan is to study the modification of pairing due to impurities, mass imbalances, and the effects of quantum statistics.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kirk Madison

Student:

Partner:

École normale supérieure

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: