ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ

A second revolution of quantum physics is being ushered by the increasing understanding and control of complex quantum interactions. Unprecedented levels of precision quantum measurements of time, length, electromagnetic fields, gravity and many other quantities will improve our daily lives, create new products and services, and promote security. Exquisite control of complex quantum states will lead to powerful quantum computers and quantum networks. And advanced quantum measurements will allow tabletop experiments to observe colliding black holes, illuminate dark matter, simulate exotic quantum environments, sew connections between gravity and quantum, and identify cracks in our standard model of physics.

JILA’s Quantum Information Science & Technology (QIST) research has strong foundations in entanglement, single atom trapping, magnetism-based quantum simulators, macro quantum objects, and translation of quantum information between light and mechanical motion. JILA’s QIST research helps advance fundamental quantum science, the development of high-impact quantum technologies, and training future generations of QIST innovators.

JILA makes major contributions to the field of atomic and molecular physics through the study of the properties, behavior, and interactions of cold and ultracold atoms and molecules. JILA physicists have harnessed abilities to manipulate single atoms and control the interactions of many atoms. They have also made significant advances towards building molecules from ultracold atoms, and cooling existing molecules to the ultracold regime.

Ultracold atoms and molecules comprise novel forms of matter that exist at temperatures below a few millionths of a degree above absolute zero, where the laws of quantum mechanics dominate.
Ìý
The fields of atomic and molecular physics have enjoyed explosive growth in recent decades because of the ability of theory to accurately describe observed phenomena and give predictive support to experiments. Because JILA physicists tackle atomic and molecular physics from both the theoretical and experimental sides, we have revolutionized and continue to lead these fields.

JILA astrophysicists investigate a broad range of topics including the evolution of stars, the formation of planets, the dynamics of black holes, and even the fundamental properties that give rise to the Universe itself.
Ìý
JILA’s astrophysics research is aided by data gathered by ground- and space-based instruments. Our researchers use this astronomical data to test and refine theoretical simulations of processes that occur in our solar system and throughout the Universe.

JILA physicists manipulate light to produce ultrashort laser pulses and coherent light sources at exotic wavelengths. As a leading developer of ultrashort laser pulses, JILA researchers have designed pulsed and single ultrashort pulses of light faster than the speed at which molecules form (1 femtosecond, or 10^-15Ìýs) and the speed at which electrons move (1 attosecond, or 10^-18Ìýs). JILA researchers pioneered the development of tabletop extreme ultraviolet coherent light sources, which opened a new dimension of laser applications.
Ìý
This research explores the complex dance of electrons in matter, and therefore uncovers answers as to how materials bond and how magnetic systems can be manipulated. These studies have a wide breath of applications, including chemistry, biology, material sciences, medicine, telecommunications, and nanotechnology.

JILA biophysicists apply tools and concepts from physics to the understanding of living systems at the molecular level, particularly in molecular biophysics, single-molecule biophysics, and biological force standards.

The field of biophysics promises answers to important questions about the structure, dynamics, function, and interactions of biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. JILA scientists are developing unique ways to precisely measure the structure and function of individual proteins and nucleic acids, both of which are important molecules for living organisms. JILA scientists are also pioneering new methods to image and measure real-time biochemical activities within living cells and tissues. These research endeavors advance our understanding fundamental biological processes and support biomedical scientists in developing new drugs and diagnostics.

Chemical physicists at JILA use advanced laser techniques to probe the structure and dynamics of matter during chemical reactions, i.e., during the making and breaking of chemical bonds.

JILA’s chemical physics research includes studies of molecular energy flow and optical/electrical properties of crystals, mapping of electron dynamics in materials and individual molecules, fabrication of nanomaterials, cooling of molecules through Stark deceleration and laser manipulation, and identifying short-lived molecules within interstellar and atmospheric combustion. These research endeavors advance our understanding of chemical reactions and inform the development of new materials.

The world of nanoscience is defined by the study of the ultrasmall, specifically near the size of a nanometer, or a billionth of a meter. Carefully engineered systems at this scale, such as quantum dots and semiconductors, help enlarge the benefits of the quantum world by enhancing our control of quantum interactions. Ìý

JILA's diverse nanoscience research encompasses investigations of innovative technologies, including nanoscale energy transport, nanostructures, and quantum devices. JILA’s study of these devices is aimed towards developing more efficient solar cells and data storage, and developing essential technology for the future of quantum computing.

Precision-measurement tools help scientists understand the universe, often through ground-breaking discoveries.

JILA physicists are at the forefront of efforts to invent and redefine tools for precision measurement. The tools developed at JILA are capable of probing tiny structures inside living cells, monitor the dynamics of chemical reactions, and directly measure the frequency of visible light.

Historically, precision measurements at JILA helped pave the way for redefining the speed the light, defining the gravitational constant, and develop a universal constant time-keeping system. Current research into precision measurements at JILA could redefine the standard model of physics, realize the quantization of gravity, detect the astronomical collisions of black holes, search for evidence of dark matter, and even evolve our understanding of DNA and proteins, and the subsequent diseases that develop from their misfoldings.