"Every time you peel off another layer of nature and look in a little bit further,
it gives you the most fantastic feeling."

Breaking News: The Jin and Ye groups have created a new form of matter: ultracold polar molecules of potassium and rubidium (⁴⁰K⁸⁷Rb) in their lowest possible energy state. NIST press release CU press release

Our group studies ultrafast laser light and its interactions with atoms and molecules. This is how we probe the fundamental laws that govern the physical world. We specialize in precision measurement, controlling and measuring of light fields, understanding atomic and molecular structure, and elucidating novel quantum phenomena. We are currently investigating ultracold strontium atoms, cold molecules, and the science behind ultrafast lasers.

In our work on ultracold strontium atoms, we are developing an optical atomic clock based on a natural transition in ⁸⁷Sr atoms. We're also using laser light to induce a gas of ultracold ⁸⁸Sr atoms to form stable Sr₂ molecules. In related research, we're investigating such cold dipolar molecules as OH and H₂CO. We're working on the cooling and trapping of cold OH molecules for studies of dipolar collisions, and, in collaboration with the Jin Group, the use of lasers to create a quantum degenerate gas of ultracold KRb molecules. In ultrafast science, we are continuing long-term research in laser stabilization and characterization of optical frequency combs. We're currently using frequency combs to conduct detailed studies of the energy levels in ⁸⁷Rb atoms and to develop ultrasensitive detection devices for medical and homeland security applications. We're also exploring ways to scale up the power of our vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) frequency-comb generator. A high-power VUV comb system will allow us to use coherent ultraviolet light to investigate and control chemical reactions.