Andrew Jayich, UC Santa Barbara: Opportunities with Laser-Cooled Radium Ions

Zoom Details

Seminar

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Zoom Link: For Zoom Information Please Contact: QF-admin@cnsi.ucsb.edu

Speaker

Andrew Jayich
Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics
UC Santa Barbara

Bio

Andrew Jayich is an assistant professor at UC Santa Barbara in the Department of Physics. I study fundamental symmetries and quantum chemical reactions. I received my bachelor's degree from Harvard and my Ph.D. from Yale, advised by Jack Harris. Following my Ph.D., I did a postdoc for Wes Campbell, where we laser-cooled and trapped atoms with an optical frequency comb.

Abstract

The bottom row of the periodic table is full of little-explored radioactive elements. Many host exotic nuclei and unique electronic structures, granting them discovery potential. They also hold promise for advancing technology. Modern atomic physics techniques, such as laser cooling and trapping, allow for the efficient use of these radioactive elements. We discuss our recent work with laser-cooled radium ions. The system provides new opportunities for optical clocks. It is also promising for studying and controlling radioactive molecules, which may help us shed light on basic symmetries of nature.