Faculty in Atomic and Molecular Physics

Philip H. Bucksbaum
Professor of Photon Sciences, Applied Physics, and Physics

I am an atomic physicist.  My main research interest is fundamental light-matter interactions, and especially the control of quantum systems using ultrafast laser fields.  I develop new sources of ultrafast laser light in the infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and x-ray regions of the light spectrum.

Steven Chu
Theodore and Frances Geballe Professor of Humanities and Sciences
Professor of Physics and of Applied Physics

Atomic physics, laser spectroscopy, quantum electronics. Laser cooling and trapping of atoms, atom interferometry, manipulation of biological molecules, spectroscopy of positronium and muonium.

Stephen E. Harris
Professor of Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics
Barbara and Kenneth Oshman Chair in Electrical Engineering

Our group has two projects: 1) The first is aimed at the synthesis of single-cycle optical wave forms, and more generally at the synthesis of optical waveforms of arbitrary shape. This is done by using a Raman source that has approximately four octaves of optical bandwidth. 2) We are interested in synthesizing the quantum waveforms of spontaneously emitted and entangled biphotons. As an example, one may generate entangled photons that have opposing chirps, and then use group velocity dispersion at either wavelength to make ultra-short, and in effect, high power photons.

Mark A. Kasevich
Professor of Physics and of Applied Physics

Atom optics, interferometry, and the study of quantum many-body effects in dilute atomic vapors.

Hideo Mabuchi
Professor of Applied Physics

Our group works in physical measurement and control, with current emphasis on the development and application of practical methodologies for the study of hypersensitive quantum systems and context-sensitive biophysical phenomena. The most distinctive aspects of our scientific research emerge from a synthesis of theoretical physics, systems engineering and advanced experimental technique.

Richard G. Brewer
Consulting Professor of Applied Physics

Richard Brewer has made significant contributions to atomic physics, laser spectroscopy and quantum optics, research which has appeared in about 150 publications in books and physics journals. (A personal account is in Memoirs, R.G. Brewer, Bohr Library, American Institute of Physics, MD, 2004.) His approach to a problem always involves an interplay between theory and observation. Throughout this work, fundamental problems were addressed using novel and simple laser techniques. Most of the work was carried out at IBM with young visiting scientists, experimentalists and theorists, from all over the world who went on to occupy important academic positions. In addition, a few collaborations were with such luminaries as Edward Teller at UC, Berkeley, Charles Townes at MIT, Ali Javan at MIT, and Erwin Hahn at UC, Berkeley. He also contributed importantly to the advancement of physics by initiating with Aram Mooradian the highly successful International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy, a conference series that continues today after 34 years.

Calvin F. Quate
Leland T. Edwards Emeritus Professor (Research) of Engineering
Emeritus Professor (Research) of Electrical Engineering
Emeritus Professor (Research) of Applied Physics

The dominant theme of our research over the past decade has been the development and application of Scanning Probes Microscopes. We use MEMS technology and micromachining to fabricate various form of cantilevers with integrated sensors and actuators. These instruments are capable of resolving atomic structure when operating in a vacuum, but primarily they are used in ambient atmosphere to image nanoscale structures. In our current program we are using these instruments to fabricate nanoscale devices. In a parallel theme we are employing these tools to study properties of biological molecules.