Georg Rieger (rieger@phas.ubc.ca) and Brett Gladman (gladman@astro.ubc.ca)
All are welcome to this event!
Event Information:
Abstract:
In atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO), laser light is used to control the motion of atoms and molecules. These techniques have been very successful in probing quantum media, where the embedded atoms and molecules interact with complex many-body environments. I will discuss how we extend laser-assisted control to the study of superfluid helium, using ultrafast lasers — including a unique tool known as an optical centrifuge — to manipulate both molecular impurities and quasiparticles such as rotons. This approach provides a powerful tool to explore the ultrafast non-equilibrium dynamics of superfluid helium at a microscopic level.
Bio:
Valery has been a faculty member in the PHAS department since 2010, conducting research in Ultrafast Quantum Coherent Control. His work focuses on using high-power ultrashort laser pulses—often shaped into a unique field known as an 'optical centrifuge'—to control the motion of atoms and molecules. This approach enables the creation of exotic molecular 'super-rotors' and the study of their interactions with one another, as well as with the surrounding quantum environment. Beyond research, Valery is a passionate STEM educator and an active advocate for science outreach.
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2025-02-06T16:00:002025-02-06T17:00:00Ultrafast laser control of particles and quasiparticles in superfluid heliumEvent Information:
Abstract:
In atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO), laser light is used to control the motion of atoms and molecules. These techniques have been very successful in probing quantum media, where the embedded atoms and molecules interact with complex many-body environments. I will discuss how we extend laser-assisted control to the study of superfluid helium, using ultrafast lasers — including a unique tool known as an optical centrifuge — to manipulate both molecular impurities and quasiparticles such as rotons. This approach provides a powerful tool to explore the ultrafast non-equilibrium dynamics of superfluid helium at a microscopic level.
Bio:
Valery has been a faculty member in the PHAS department since 2010, conducting research in Ultrafast Quantum Coherent Control. His work focuses on using high-power ultrashort laser pulses—often shaped into a unique field known as an 'optical centrifuge'—to control the motion of atoms and molecules. This approach enables the creation of exotic molecular 'super-rotors' and the study of their interactions with one another, as well as with the surrounding quantum environment. Beyond research, Valery is a passionate STEM educator and an active advocate for science outreach.
Learn More:• See his PHAS faculty page here: vmilner | UBC Physics & Astronomy• Read his research website here: About us | Ultrafast Coherent Control Group• Explore his STEM outreach: Physics Olympics
Event Location:
HENN 201
