The Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) and Condensed Matter (CM) physics groups are hosting a joint seminar as part of the Center for Quantum Research and Technology (CQRT). This endowed seminar series brings in experts from across the country as well as across campus to discuss the latest in research advances in quantum science.
Seminars are scheduled for 2:00-3:00 pm on Tuesdays and/or Fridays, and are held in-person in Lin Hall 105, depending upon speaker availability and preference. Please check this web page or the email announcements for the current week's talks. By attending the seminar, either in person or on Zoom, you are agreeing to abide by our departmental code of conduct.
To get on the seminar mailing list, please contact the seminar organizers, Prof. Kieran Mullen.
Title: "Finger" states, “butterfly" molecules, and “fishbone” structures: updates in the study of the littlest giant molecules
Matt Eiles, Purdue University
Friday, September 11th, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: The study of long-range Rydberg molecules, which are created out of a Rydberg atom and one or more additional particles (ground-state atoms, ions, or even small molecules), has reached maturity following a string of highly successful experiments in which all of the major types of molecules predicted by theorists over a quarter century ago have been observed. Now, with the major ingredients of the theory confirmed, attention has turned to the subtler details of these molecular interactions and to potential applications for these molecules. In this talk, I will share some of what we have been working on, largely in collaboration with experimental groups, to explore this physics. Time permitting, I will show (a) how Yb Rydberg molecules were used to obtain conclusive evidence that the Yb negative ion exists only as a shape resonance, (b) how incredibly fragile Rydberg molecule states with $\Pi$ orbital symmetry could be measured in very low-lying Rydberg states, and (c) how Rydberg-ion molecules can be used to explore Stückelberg interference in predissociation on extreme length and time scales.
Title: TBA
Andrew Lucas, University of Chicago
Friday, September 25th, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
Title: Many-Body Chemistry: Phase Coherence and Entanglement in Matter-Wave Reactions
Cheng Chin, University of Chicago
Monday, September 28th, 2026 (Note Special Day and Time!)
3:30-4:30pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: Chemical reactions are ordinarily viewed as incoherent processes governed by statistical ensembles and thermodynamics. When atoms and molecules become quantum degenerate, however, they can form coherent matter waves, opening a fundamentally different regime of chemistry in which reactions become coherent nonlinear processes. In this regime, the matter-wave fields of reactants and products are expected to exhibit phase matching, closely analogous to nonlinear optical frequency conversion.
Here we observe phase-coherent reaction dynamics between Bose-condensed atoms and molecules near a Feshbach resonance. Using matter-wave diffraction in optical lattices, we directly probe the spatial coherence of both atomic and molecular condensates. We observe phase doubling when two atomic matter waves combine to form a molecular wave: the matter-wave analogue of optical frequency doubling. Remarkably, the diffraction patterns also reveal two-atom entanglement generated by the reaction.
Title: TBA
Jonathan Hood, Purdue University
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
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Eite Tiesinga, NIST
Tuesday, October 13th, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
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Fiona Burnell, University of Minnesota
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
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Jusitn Wilson, Louisiana State University
Tuesday, October 24th, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
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Marcel Davanco, NIST Maryland
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
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Michael Kolodrubetz, Univ. of Texas, Dallas
Tuesday, November 10th, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
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Aaron Danner, NUS Singapore
Tuesday, December 1st, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
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Omar Magana-Loaiza, Louisiana State University
Tuesday, December 8th, 2026
2:00-3:00pm, 105 Lin Hall
Abstract: TBA
