Atomic, Molecular, Optical & Chemical (AMOC) Physics

Participating Faculty:

Overview

Atomic, Molecular, Optical, and Chemical Physics research at the University of Nevada, Reno first began in the 1960's and was further expanded in the 1990's to become one of the department's core strengths. This tradition continues today, with new faculty additions to this rapidly growing field. Research at the University of Nevada, Reno encompasses both theory and experiment, and addresses both fundamental physics and practical applications.

Theoretical work spans a wide range of fields, including:

  • Precision calculations of atomic structure for tests of the Standard Model of elementary particles
  • Research to improve the accuracy of atomic clocks
  • Calculations and models of atomic interactions and spectroscopy in dense plasma environments
  • Quantum computing
  • Physics of ultracold degenerate gases

Experiments are conducted in newly renovated on-campus laboratories, as well as through collaborations at renowned research facilities such as the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Experiments explore physics such as:

  • Studies of atomic and molecular interactions at low temperatures
  • Quantum information
  • Ion-ion and ion-photon collision studies for understanding high-temperature fusion energy and astrophysical plasma environments
  • Optomechanics and quantum precision sensors
  • Hybrid quantum systems and quantum computing

Department faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students benefit from active collaborations with researchers from throughout the world.