Photon-Mediated Interactions for Quantum Sensing and Simulation

James K. Thompson describes how photons repeatedly reflected inside an optical cavity can couple laser-cooled atoms. These collective interactions provide tools for both simulating many-body systems and improving precision measurements.

The seminar examines ways to shape the coupling, including exchange and XYZ interactions, interactions involving three or four particles, dissipative processes and protection of coherence through a many-body energy gap. Applications include studying time-dependent phases of superconductors, increasing the sensitivity of matter-wave interferometers and advancing optical clocks. The organizer provides both an Ann Arbor venue and an online attendance option.