Faculty
JILA faculty comprise (1) University of Colorado-Boulder professors from the departments of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, and Physics; (2) selected members of the National Institute of Standards & Technology's Quantum Physics and Time & Frequency divisions who are also adjoint UCB faculty; (3) Members of JILA; (4) Retired JILA faculty; and (5) Adjoint faculty who work at other institutions. The JILA mailing address is: JILA, University of Colorado, 440 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0440. Email addresses and telephone numbers appear in individual faculty entries.
Active Fellows
Dana Z. Anderson [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor, Department of Physics
dana@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-5202
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Optical Physics, Precision Measurement
I'm interested in nonlinear optics, atom optics and optical precision measurements. In nonlinear optics, I study photorefractive systems for measurement and information processing, especially self-organized information processing. Our group is currently investigating acoustic and RF antenna-array signal processing and sensing of chemical vapors. Atom-optics research centers on the development of atom waveguides, atom "chip" technology, and the use of Bose-Einstein condensates to make practical devices. The group is currently developing integrated atom interferometers for inertial navigation and other sensing applications. (CV and publication list)
Phil Armitage [home page]
Fellow of JILAAssociate Professor & Associate Chair, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
pja@jilau1.colorado.edu (303) 492-7836
Research Areas: Astrophysics
In my work as a theoretical astrophysicist, I focus on problems in fluid dynamics near black holes and in protoplanetary disks. My recent work includes studies of the formation and early evolution of extrasolar planetary systems; numerical simulations of turbulence in black hole accretion flows; and investigation of the astrophysical consequences of binary black hole mergers in galactic nuclei. (CV and publication list)
Mitchell C. Begelman [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
mitch@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7856
Research Areas: Astrophysics
My research in theoretical astrophysics includes studies of astrophysical gas dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, and radiative transfer theory as applied to a broad range of astrophysical phenomena. These include active galaxies and quasars, compact objects, star formation, galaxy formation, and dynamics and evolution of dense stellar systems. (CV and publication list)
Peter L. Bender
Fellow Adjoint of JILASenior Research Associate, JILA
pbender@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-6793
Research Areas: Astrophysics, Precision Measurement
I'm interested in the use of precision measurement methods in astrophysics, gravitational physics, and planetary studies. My main focus is on the development of a gravitational wave mission known as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), which will one day observe thousands of individual binaries containing compact stars throughout the galaxy. LISA's major objective is the study of signals from different types of massive black holes at cosmological distances. I also participate in other proposed missions in optical astronomy and geophysics. (CV and publication list)
John L. Bohn[home page]
Fellow of JILAAssociate Research Professor, Department of Physics
bohn@murphy.colorado.edu (303) 492-5426
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics
My primary research centers on the theory of collisions between trapped atoms and molecules in a dilute gas at milliKelvin temperatures and below. In this novel energy regime, tiny energy splittings (due, for instance, to magnetic interactions or molecular rotations) dominate the collision dynamics. My goal is to unravel these delicate energy exchanges and assess their response to external electromagnetic fields. More broadly, I'm looking for novel approaches to understanding collective motions of many-body quantum-mechanical systems such as electrons in an atom or semiconductor device or atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate. (CV and publication list)
Peter S. Conti
Fellow Adjoint of JILAProfessor Emeritus, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences; Senior Research Associate, JILA
pconti@jila.colorado.edu (303) 651-0498 (home)
Research Areas: Astrophysics
My fundamental interest is in understanding the nature and evolution of massive stars: the hottest spectral types, the youngest, and the most luminous. These primarily O type stars are found in the Galactic plane and in regions of recent star formation in other galaxies. Currently, I am emphasizing photometry and spectroscopy of luminous stars in our Galaxy in the near infra-red, at about two microns, and at longer wavelengths. Here the absorption of the intervening Galactic dust is low, and the stars can be observed even though they are completely obscured in the optical. This work is intended to clarify our understanding of the very youngest stars, which are typically still embedded in their natal dust shrouds. I am carrying out such observations in collaboration with astronomers at KPNO, University College, London, Sheffield University and the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. I am using observations with Gemini telescopes (or equivalent) as well as assigned time on the IR Spitzer space telescope.
Eric A. Cornell [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor Adjoint, Department of Physics
cornell@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-6281
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Nanoscience, Precision Measurement
My research interests center around the behavior of extremely cold atomic gases. Recent
developments in laser-cooling techniques have made possible new families of experiments
at microKelvin temperatures. My group investigates techniques for manipulating cold
atoms and studies interactions between trapped alkali atoms at collision energies below
one microKelvin. I am best known for producing a Bose-Einstein condensate in a sample of
trapped atoms. Most recently I've begun a project to measure the electric dipole moment of the
electron, a project designed to investigate the particle physics concept
known as "supersymmetry."
(CV and publication list)
Steven T. Cundiff [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor Adjoint, Departments of Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering
cundiffs@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7858
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Nanoscience, Optical Physics, Precision Measurement
Ultrafast optics is my primary research interest. In particular, I study the interaction of
ultrashort pulses of light with semiconductors. In direct-gap
semiconductors, such as gallium arsenide, the coherent optical response is determined by
many-body interactions among electronic carriers excited by the incident pulses.
James E. Faller
Fellow Adjoint of JILASenior Research Associate, JILA
fallerj@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-8509
Research Areas: Precision Measurement
My research interests include geophysics, experimental relativity, fundamental constants,
and precision measurement experiments designed to look for possible invalidations of
accepted physical laws at some extreme of magnitude. I continue to work on the refinement of
a small and portable apparatus to measure "g," the acceleration of gravity; the
development of low-frequency isolation systems to extend to lower frequencies the
possibility of ground-based gravitational spring systems to be used both as the primary
instrument and as the spring element in active feedback isolation systems. Finally, I am working on a new measurement of G, the Newtonian constant of gravitation.
Chris H. Greene [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor, Department of Physics
chg@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-4770
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Chemical Physics, AMO Theory
My major interests include strong correlation effects in atoms and molecules,
nonperturbative external field interactions, and alignment and orientation of
photofragments. My current theoretical projects aim to develop efficient conceptual
methods to handle strong coupling between two or more degrees of freedom in an atom or
molecule. Recent systems I have studied include atoms and negative ions in external
magnetic or electric fields; as well as high, doubly excited states of atoms like calcium and
simple molecules like hydrogen. I have considered the related problem of interactions between electronic and nuclear motions in diatomic or triatomic molecules. I am increasingly emphasizing problems relating to ultracold collisions and the many-body physics of Bose-Einstein condensates.
John L. Hall [home page]
Fellow Adjoint of JILASenior Research Associate, JILA
jhall@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7843
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Optical Physics, Precision Measurement
My research interests include laser stabilization and precise scan techniques using
interferometry and/or heterodyne techniques, amplitude stabilization near the "photon-shot-noise" level with classical electro-optical methods, and "squeezed" beams of
sub-shot-noise level or correlated photons produced in nonlinear interactions.
I pursue continuous-wave approaches for application in both gravity-wave antennas and
measurement of magnetically induced birefringence of the vacuum. Optical atomic clocks
based on a strontium "atomic fountain" will allow "ultra-resolution" determination of
linewidths < 10 Hz. A new modulation detection scheme permits cavity-enhanced nonlinear
spectroscopy that provides unprecedented sensitivity (<10-12 absorption) using
molecular overtone transitions in the near-visible infrared.
(CV and publication list)
Andrew J. S. Hamilton [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
hamilton@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7833
Research Areas: Astrophysics
My research is theoretical, and my principal interests include black holes, cosmology,
and supernovae. My black hole work focuses on general relativistic
visualization. My cosmological work concentrates mainly on devising and
applying methods to analyze large observational data sets, notably
galaxy surveys, with a view to extracting cosmological parameters and
other fundamental properties of the Universe.
Murray Holland [home page]
Fellow of JILAAssociate Professor, Department of Physics
mholland@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-4172
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Optical Physics, AMO Theory
My research involves theoretical studies of Bose-Einstein condensation, including (1) the modes
of oscillation, (2) the quantitative effect of interactions and loss processes, (3) the behavior
of a condensate undergoing evaporative cooling, and (4) the thermodynamics of a
small number of atoms. My future research interests include the damping processes of
coherent excitations, quantum diffusion of the condensate phase, and new methods for
treating quantum kinetic theory. I also investigate quantum optics, in which I study the properties of laser fields and their interaction with matter. My other
interests include optical cavities and their interaction with atomic beams and quantum
measurement theory.
Ralph Jimenez[home page]
Associate Fellow of JILAAssistant Professor Adjoint, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Lecturer, Department of Physics
rjimenez@jilau1.colorado.edu (303) 492-8439
Research Areas: Biophysics, Chemical Physics
I am primarily interested in measuring the spectra of biomolecular motions, understanding the structural nature of these motions, and relating the dynamics to biological function. The dynamics of biological macromolecules span an enormous range of time from femtoseconds (10-15 sec) to seconds. The characterization of these motions represents a formidable experimental challenge. My laboratory employs ultrafast laser spectroscopies for measuring the femtosecond through nanosecond time-scale dynamics that underlie the slower motions. I perform studies on samples modified with biochemical techniques that produce well-defined changes in molecular structure.
(CV and publication list)
Deborah S. Jin [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor Adjoint, Department of Physics
jin@jilau1.colorado.edu (303) 492-0256
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Nanoscience
My research focuses on ultracold trapped atoms. My experiments use laser cooling,
magnetic trapping, and evaporative cooling to reach temperatures below one microKelvin,
where quantum statistics dominate the behavior of atoms. By cooling fermions, in addition to bosons, we can explore a variety of phenomena
such as Bose-Einstein condensation, Cooper pairing of fermions, ultracold atomic
interactions, and superfluidity in dilute atomic gases.
Henry Kapteyn [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor, Department of Physics
kapteyn@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-8198
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Nanoscience, Optical Physics
My major interest includes the development of new light sources at short wavelengths and their use to study dynamic processes in material and chemical systems. In particular, the recent development of high-energy ultrashort-pulse laser technology (in large part by the research group I co-lead with Professor Murnane) allows generation of coherent extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and soft-X-ray bursts of femtosecond (10-15 sec) and even attosecond duration. (For comparison, the ratio of 1 femtosecond to 1 second is about the same as the ratio of 1 second to 30 million years.) The time scales probed by these light pulses correspond to those of chemical reactions and dynamic processes in semiconductors. Thus short-pulse short-wavelength light provides researchers with a unique tool to observe specific atoms, leading to a deeper understanding of the microscopic mechanisms. In recent years, our group has developed a variety of new techniques to efficiently upconvert ultrashort laser pulses coherently into the EUV and soft-X-ray regions of the spectrum. I am also a founding member of the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center in Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology (http://euverc.colostate.edu/) and co-founder of a successful laser company (www.kmlabs.com). (CV and publication list)
Konrad Lehnert [home page]
Associate Fellow of JILAAssistant Professor Adjoint, Department of Physics
konrad.lehnert@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-8348
Research Areas: Nanoscience, Precision Measurement
My research interests include quantum coherence in nanoscale electrical
circuits (solid-state qubits), dynamics of individual electrons in
one-dimensional conductors, and ultrafast quantum-limited charge
measurements. Recent advances in nanolithography and cryogenic
electronics have made it possible to sense individual
electrons as they move through nanometer-sized conductors. My
research exploits this ability to detect the quantum superposition of
macroscopically distinct states of electrical circuits and to detect
the flow of single electrons through molecular wires. My current work
addresses the following questions: What are the sources of
decoherence in solid-state qubits? How efficiently and how quickly
do electrons screen each other in nanoscale circuits? Can a sensor of
charge reach quantum-limited sensitivity? (CV and publication list)
Judah Levine [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor Adjoint, Department of Physics
jlevine@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7785
Research Areas: Precision Measurement
My research focuses on understanding the statistics of precision clocks and frequency standards,
developing methods for distributing precise time and frequency information, and applying
precision measurement techniques to problems of geophysical interest. My specific projects
include developing methods for transmitting time using dial-up telephone lines, the
internet, and satellite
systems; investigating algorithms for authenticating time signals transmitted via public
networks; and designing a statistically optimum method for distributing data from a
primary frequency standard without degrading its accuracy. In addition, I continue to work to
improve the accuracy and stability of Coordinated Universal Time, the time scale used
as a reference by all of the NIST time and frequency services.
Heather Lewandowski [home page]
Associate Fellow of JILAAssistant Professor, Department of Physics
lewandoh@jilau1.colorado.edu (303) 492-1446
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Nanoscience
My group uses a two-step process to prepare ultracold
molecules of NH, a simple free radical. The first step, supersonic
expansion, forces NH molecules through a small opening into a vacuum
system, where intermolecular collisions cool the rapidly expanding gas
(400 m/s) to less than 1 K. The second step uses varying electric
fields (Stark deceleration) to slow the cold molecules to rest. Once the
molecules are cold and stopped, we can subject them to magnetic
trapping, electrostatic trapping, laser cooling, or sympathetic cooling.
I plan to work with theorist John Bohn to investigate
collisions of cold polar NH radicals (produced in this process) with
each other and with ultracold atoms such as Rb.
W. Carl Lineberger [home page]
Fellow of JILAE. U. Condon Distinguished Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
wcl@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7834
Research Areas: Chemical Physics
My research centers around the interaction of radiation with ions. I use tunable laser
photodetachment to probe electron correlation and to investigate dipole-bound
states of negative ions. I use negative-ion photoelectron spectroscopy to determine
electron affinities and structures of radicals and metal clusters. I study the transition from
gas phase to condensed phase by means of photodissociation and photodetachment
of cold cluster ions by using nanosecond and picosecond lasers. I study ultrafast molecular
rearrangement dynamics using pump-probe, and photodetachment-photoionization of
negative ions. (CV and publication list)
Jeffrey L. Linsky [home page]
Fellow of JILAResearch Professor, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
jlinsky@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7838
Research Areas: Astrophysics
My current research topics include the abundance of deuterium in the Galaxy,
structure and physical properties of the local interstellar medium, and
X-ray and ultraviolet emission from young stars and protostellar disks.
The observational basis of my research is primarily high-resolution
ultraviolet spectra obtained with instruments on the Hubble Space Telescope
(HST) and the Far Ultraviolet Spectrograph Explorer (FUSE) satellites and
X-ray spectra obtained with the Chandra X-ray Observatory. My other research
areas include the physical properties of chromospheres, coronae, and
winds of late-type stars and active binary systems, flare stars, RS CVn-type
binary systems, stellar magnetic fields, and stellar microwave emission.
Richard McCray
[home page]
Fellow Adjoint of JILAGeorge Gamow Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
dick@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7835
Research Areas: Astrophysics
My major interests are theoretical astrophysics, atomic and molecular processes in
astrophysics, interstellar gas dynamics, and space astronomy. My present research program
includes theoretical studies of the hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, and atomic and
molecular processes in astrophysical gases; formation of astrophysical spectra; models
for compact galactic x-ray sources and supernovas; and observations of these phenomena
with spacecraft.
Margaret Murnane [home page]
Fellow of JILADistinguished Professor, Department of Physics
murnane@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7839
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Nanoscience, Optical Physics
My research focuses on the generation and application of ultrafast light pulses of only a
few cycles in duration. For this work, Prof. Kapteyn and I design and build new types of lasers and
investigate new methods for optical pulse shaping and control. One application of
extremely short light pulses is to use them to generate coherent X-ray beams.
These femtosecond (and possibly attosecond) duration X-ray pulses can be used to study
nonlinear optics in regimes not accessible with any other techniques, for
holography and microscopy, or to visualize the fastest processes in chemical and material
systems. At present, we have a diverse mixture of physicists, engineers, and chemical
physicists in our group. (CV and publication list)
David J. Nesbitt [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor Adjoint, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry; Chair of JILA
djn@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-8857
Research Areas: Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Nanoscience
My research includes quantum-state-resolved laser spectroscopy and dynamics of van der
Waals and hydrogen-bonded clusters, time-resolved kinetics of atmospheric radicals,
crossed-beam studies of state-to-state inelastic and reactive dynamics, high-resolution
laser spectroscopy of jet-cooled radicals and molecular ions, nonlinear frequency
generation of narrowband tunable infrared laser sources, vibrationally mediated photochemistry
in size/quantum state-selected clusters, alignment phenomena, collision dynamics of gases
with thin films, and development of atomic force/scanning-tunneling methods for
near-field-scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) of molecules on surfaces. (CV and publication list)
Robert Parson [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
rparson@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7751
Research Areas: Chemical Physics
My research in theoretical chemical dynamics includes studies of collision-induced intra-
and intermolecular energy transfer in gas and condensed phases, vibration-rotation
dynamics in highly excited molecules and weakly bound molecular clusters, and
photodissociation and vibrational relaxation of molecules in clusters.
Thomas Perkins [home page]
Associate Fellow of JILAAssistant Professor Adjoint, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
tperkins@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-5291
Research Areas: Biophysics, Nanoscience
The biochemical cycle of mechanoenzymes generates a force and a displacement that can be measured at the single-molecule level. The outstanding question is how motor proteins transduce chemical energy into physical motion. To answer this question, we use optical tweezers, a focused laser beam that can manipulate micron-sized beads in solution, allowing measurement of position and force in the nanometer (nm) and piconewton (pN) ranges, respectively. Our research focuses on developing assays and precision instrumentation to measure the properties of single-DNA-based molecular motors. Typically, enzymatic motion along the DNA is measured by anchoring the enzyme to a surface and monitoring the position of an optically trapped bead attached to the DNA's distal end.
Rosalba Perna [home page]
Associate Fellow of JILAAssistant Professor, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
rosalba@jilau1.colorado.edu (303) 492-0389
Research Areas: Astrophysics
My research is theoretical high-energy astrophysics, including studies of gamma-ray
bursts and their interactions with their interstellar and circumstellar
environment. My other interests include neutron stars, accretion
disks, gravitational lensing and microlensing, and foregrounds for cosmic microwave background
experiments. (CV and publication list)
Arthur V. Phelps [home page]
Fellow Adjoint of JILAavp@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7850
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Chemical Physics
My recent research includes analyses of measurements and modeling of
ion, fast neutral, and electron processes in low-current, low-pressure discharges and in the cathode region of glow discharges.
I currently model the measured radiation
from discharges in hydrogen and hydrogen-rare gas mixtures as well as develop and test heavy-particle cross-section sets for use
in these and related models.
James K. Thompson
Associate Fellow of JILAAssistant Professor Adjoint, Department of Physics
jkt@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7558
Research Areas: Precision Measurement
My research focuses on understanding the interface between ultracold atoms and quantum optics - an understanding I plan to apply to the field of precision measurement. I am presently devising strategies to reduce the effect of the fundamental quantum noise that arises from Heisenberg's uncertainty relationship as applied to atomic spins. In one project, I work on non-destructively measuring and canceling out the quantum fluctuations in the collective spin state of an ensemble of laser-cooled 87Rb atoms in a high-finesse optical cavity. By learning how to minimize the effect of quantum noise in this type of system, I hope to advance the precise measurements required for atomic clocks and in searches for permanent electric dipole moments in atoms and molecules. (CV and publication list)
Juri Toomre [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
jtoomre@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7854
Research Areas: Astrophysics
Astrophysical fluid dynamics is my primary research interest, and my work currently
centers on theoretical treatments for compressible convection in stars. The nonlinear
theory using computational fluid dynamics is complemented by detailed observations of
velocity fields on the Sun, from both ground-based and satellite instruments. My interests extend to helioseismology, in which the five-minute oscillations of the
Sun are used as probes of velocity and temperature structures within the interior. My group
seeks to understand the coupling of global-scale convection with rotation by using a
series of experiments flown on the space shuttle. My nonlinear dynamical studies in
geophysics include thermohaline convection in the oceans and stratified shear flows.
J. Mathias Weber [home page]
Associate Fellow of JILAAssistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
weberjm@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7841
Research Areas: Chemical Physics
My group combines mass spectrometry with laser
spectroscopy to characterize positively and negatively charged ions
and biomolecules. One project is concerned with infrared spectroscopy
of molecular and metal containing cluster ions. These are produced in
a pulsed supersonic expansion, and mass selected in a time-of-flight
mass spectrometer. Photons absorption leads to evaporation of weakly
bound ligands from the cluster. The absorption spectra of the
clusters under study can be measured by monitoring the generation of
photofragments as a function of the laser wavelength. In a second
project, we are developing a three-stage
photofragmentation spectrometer that uses an electrospray ion source
to deliver ions into an ion trap (Step 1). There, the ions can be
cooled or reacted with small solvent molecules such as water. Next,
the products from Step 1 are mass selectred and illuminated with
tunable pulsed laser light (Step 2). Finally, the light-induced
photofragments are analyzed by means of a time-of-flight spectrometer
(Step 3). This system will allow us to study
the spectral and dynamical differences between unsolvated,
sequentially solvated, and solution phase ion species. In the future,
we plan to use it to investigate the photo physics and chemistry of
structurally and/or electronically complex molecules such as multiply
charged anions, cationic and anionic salt cluster ions, and charged
biomolecules.
Carl Wieman [home page]
Fellow of JILADistinguished Professor, Department of Physics; Director, Center for Science Education
cwieman@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-6963
My research focus is science education. My colleagues and I in the
Physics Education Research Group look at how students learn physics and
chemistry and we experiment with ways these subjects can be taught more
effectively. We are particularly interested in using interactive
simulations to explain challenging science concepts and have developed
dozens of web-based simulations as part of the Physics Education
Technology Project (PhET.). We also study student beliefs about physics
and chemistry and how these beliefs impact learning and are shaped by
instruction. We have developed survey instruments (CLASS-physics and
CLASS-chem) for measuring such beliefs. We recently began looking
systematically at the teaching and learning of quantum mechanics. (CV and publication
list)
Jun Ye [home page]
Fellow of JILAProfessor Adjoint, Department of Physics
ye@jila.colorado.edu (303) 735-3171
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Nanoscience, Optical Physics, Precision Measurement
My main research interests include ultrasensitive laser spectroscopy, optical frequency
metrology, and quantum optics using cold atoms. My group is exploring molecular dynamics using
exquisitely sensitive absorption-measurement techniques developed in JILA. We also use high-sensitivity techniques to define ultrastable optical
frequency standards, currently being explored for their use in metrology, communications,
and high-precision measurements such as in NASA's space-borne interferometers. The use of
ultrafast lasers has revolutionized the field of optical frequency metrology, and we are
actively pursuing research related to the concept and application of this novel field. We
are also exploring cold atoms and molecules for their use in high-precision measurement
and quantum optics. (CV and publication list)
Members of JILA
Veronica Bierbaum [home page]
Professor, Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryVeronica.Bierbaum@colorado.edu (303) 492-7081
Dan Dessau [home page]
Associate Professor, Department of PhysicsDessau@Colorado.edu (303) 492-1607
G. Barney Ellison [home page]
Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistrybarney@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-8603
Gavin Polhemus
Physics teacher, Poudre High School, Fort Collins, Coloradogavinpolhemus@comcast.net (970) 488-6160
Retired Fellows
John (Jinx) Cooper
Fellow Adjoint of JILAProfessor Emeritus, Department of Physics
jinx@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7813
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, AMO Theory
Roy H. Garstang
Fellow Adjoint of JILAgarstang@earthlink.net (303) 492-7795
Research Areas: Astrophysics, Atomic & Molecular Physics
Alan C. Gallagher
Fellow Adjoint of JILALecturer, Department of Physics
alang@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7841
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics, Chemical Physics
Carl J. Hansen
Fellow Adjoint of JILAchansen@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-8497
Research Areas: Astrophysics
David G. Hummer
Fellow Adjoint of JILAdgh@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-8497
Research Areas: Astrophysics
Stephen J. Smith
Fellow Adjoint of JILAssmith@jila.colorado.edu (303) 492-7788
Research Areas: Atomic & Molecular Physics
Fellows Adjoint Working at Other Institutes and Universities
Eldon E. Ferguson
NOAABoulder, CO
Douglas O. Gough
Institute of AstronomyCambridge, England
Stephen R. Leone
University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA
Neal Lane
Rice UniversityHouston, TX
Richard N. Zare
Stanford UniversityStanford, CA
Peter Zoller
Universität InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria