Details
Speaker Name/Affiliation
Chuankun Zhang / JILA
When
-
Seminar Type
Location (Room)
JILA Auditorium
Event Details & Abstracts
Abstract: Laser-based measurement and control of atomic and molecular states form the foundation of modern quantum technology and provide deep insights to fundamental physics. The recent breakthrough of quantum-state-resolved thorium-229 nuclear laser spectroscopy marks the beginning of precision metrology for nuclear transitions. Using a state-of-the-art frequency comb in the vacuum-ultraviolet, we coherently excite the thorium nuclear clock transition and link its frequency directly to today’s most precise atomic clock based on strontium-87. This unification of precision metrology and nuclear physics sparks new ideas for fundamental physics tests and promises nuclear-based robust timing applications.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.