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The Centre for Quantum-Atom Optics (led by the Australian National University) combines Australian theoretical and experimental research groups to create a powerful network to advance the rapidly developing field of quantum atom optics. Quantum Atom Optics combines quantum optics with atom optics, the new science of ultra-cold atoms. This treats the quantum properties of light and matter. We are developing powerful new theoretical techniques for treating the experimental developments in this field, including novel computational algorithms.
In the fastest growing and most stimulating field in modern physics, our work ranges from fundamental tests of quantum mechanics to the latest technology.
Quantum Atom Optics combines quantum optics with atom optics, the new science of ultra-cold atoms.
Quantum Optics is the science of photon lasers, the most significant development in physics in the late twentieth century. It has led to countless applications, and is at the heart of modern communications and measurement.
Atom Optics treats Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) and atom lasers, where many atoms 'sing together' in a coherent matter wave. A field that is at the forefront of modern physics, ultra-cold atoms have been the topic of two recent Nobel prizes in physics (1997 and 2001). As well as being of importance to fundamental science, research into atom lasers has applications in nano-technology, gravity surveys and precision measurements.
A Bose-Einstein condensate is a new state of matter predicted by Einstein over 70 years ago, but first seen only in 1995. Bose condensates, which require ultra-cold temperatures (~100 nK) to form, exhibit quantum mechanical behaviour on a mesoscopic scale, and are providing exciting new insights into the fundamental nature of matter and matter-wave interactions.
Research in quantum atom optics is aimed at understanding and utilising the physics of these exotic quantum systems, and UQ has a major theoretical programs in this area. The BEC and Quantum Optics theory group provides theoretical leadership to the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum-Atom Optics (ACQAO). Its pioneering work on 'super-chemistry' inspired experiments on atomic-molecular BECs internationally, and it is a world leader in developing computational techniques for dynamical quantum many-body systems.
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