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

The UConn Physics Department boasts a dynamic 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 spectral 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 cutting-edge ultrafast experiments using femtosecond and attosecond laser systems from both UConn's tabletop setups (across three different laboratories - Berrah, Gibson, Trallero) and international XUV, VUV, and X-ray Free Electron Lasers (FELs) in the US, Japan, and Europe. These enable detailed investigations of molecular dynamics occurring on ultrafast timescales, with the ambitious objective of creating a Molecular Movie that captures all physical and chemical processes following photo-induced excitation and ionization. Our diverse laser systems allow examination of both valence and inner-shell electrons across various materials (atoms, molecules, nanosystems, liquids, solids). Attosecond lasers help us explore electronic dynamics, while femtosecond lasers reveal nuclear dynamics - research with significant implications for nanophysics, chemistry, and biology.
We generate ultracold Rydberg atomic samples and molecular gases, studying their properties through spectral analysis. Notable achievements include observing the van der Waals blockade mechanism in ultracold Rydberg gases by examining excitation saturation in specific atomic transitions. Our work has also revealed molecular resonances between Rydberg states that could enable creation of macrodimers - micron-scale molecules formed from two Rydberg atoms. Additionally, we conduct detailed spectroscopic studies of Rb2 and KRb molecules in various electronic states to develop accurate molecular potentials, guiding optimal pathways for producing ultracold molecules in their ground ro-vibrational state.