PhD in Physics - Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics in Storrs United States | University of Connecticut

The UConn Physics Department boasts an active graduate student community engaged in pioneering research across diverse fields such as:
Astrophysics
Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics
Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Geophysics and planetary science
Nuclear and Particle Physics

Step into the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics Group, where investigations span numerous key areas within the AMO field. These research efforts can be categorized into:

Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy (N. Berrah, R. Cote, G. Gibson, P. Gould, V. Kharchenko, A.-T. Le, D. McCarron, C. Trallero):

Theoretical Work: Our team calculates photoassociation spectra, examines experimental data, and refines interaction potentials to precisely match observed characteristics. We determine molecular state lifetimes and study environmental impacts on spectral properties (including line shifts, broadening effects, Rydberg state Stark shifts, and E2 excitations to high Rydberg levels).
Experimental Work:
We conduct ultra-fast experiments using femtosecond and attosecond laser systems from both UConn labs (operated by Berrah, Gibson, and Trallero) and international facilities like XUV, VUV, and X-ray Free Electron Lasers in the US, Japan, and Europe. These enable detailed measurements of molecular dynamics occurring at ultra-fast timescales. Our objective is to create a Molecular Movie by tracking all physical and chemical processes following photo-induced excitation and ionization across various systems. Different laser types let us examine both valence and inner-shell electrons in diverse materials (atoms, molecules, nanostructures, liquids, solids). Attosecond lasers help us explore electronic dynamics, while femtosecond lasers reveal nuclear dynamics in our studied systems. This research significantly influences related scientific disciplines including nanophysics, chemistry, and biology.
We generate ultracold Rydberg atom samples and ultracold molecular gases, then analyze their properties through spectroscopic techniques. For instance, we've observed the van der Waals blockade effect in ultracold Rydberg gases by examining pronounced excitation saturation of specific atomic transitions. Strong Rydberg-Rydberg interactions also produce detectable molecular resonances that could enable creation of macrodimers - micron-scale molecules formed from two Rydberg atoms. Additionally, we conduct detailed spectral analysis of Rb2 and KRb in various electronic states to develop accurate molecular potentials, helping identify optimal pathways for producing ultracold molecules in their ground ro-vibrational state.