For decades, CU Boulder has been an internationalÌýleader in quantum physics, and in transforming quantum research breakthroughs into real-world applications—from lasers that detect methane in the air to new microscopes that can probe the world in never-before-seen detail. Over its 60-year history, JILA—a joint Institute between CU Boulder and NIST—has boasted four NobelÌýPrize winners. Learn more about our latest quantum science and research discoveries.Ìý

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an illustration of atomic dipoles on a lattice

Observing a new-clock systematic shift

Feb. 2, 2024

In a new study, physics professor Jun Ye and his research team have taken a significant step in understanding the intricate and collective light-atom interactions within atomic clocks, the most precise clocks in the universe.

Daniel Salvetti greets Colorado Governor Jared Polis

Semiconductor forum highlights CU Boulder’s leadership in advancing technology, workforce

Feb. 1, 2024

A broad coalition of stakeholders gathered at CU Boulder on Jan. 25 to celebrate the state and university’s key roles in sustaining a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem and to discuss how to shape its future.

illustration of dynamic phases of BCS superconductor interactions in a Cavity QED

Unveiling dynamic superconductivity

Jan. 30, 2024

As reported in a new Nature paper, the theory and experiment teams of JILA and NIST Fellows Ana Maria Rey and James Thompson, in collaboration with others, simulated superconductivity under such excited conditions using an atom-cavity system.

Cream swirls around a glass of iced coffee

What coffee with cream can teach us about quantum physics

Jan. 24, 2024

A new advancement in theoretical physics could, one day, help engineers develop new kinds of computer chips that might store information for long periods of time in very small objects.

atomic clock

A tale of two clocks: Advancing the precision of timekeeping

Jan. 18, 2024

Professor Jun Ye’s team, in collaboration with JILA and NIST Fellow James Thompson, has used a specific process known as spin squeezing to generate quantum entanglement, resulting in an enhancement in clock performance.

Colorful microscopic image of a regularly repeating pattern

‘Doughnut’ beams help physicists see incredibly small objects

Dec. 4, 2023

A new laser-based technique can create images of structures too tiny to view with traditional microscopes, and without damaging them. The approach could help scientists inspect nanoelectronics, including the semiconductors in computer chips.

Heusler Co2MnGa compound

Unlocking the secrets of spin with high-harmonic probes

Nov. 28, 2023

Reported in a new Science Advances paper, a JILA team and co-collaborators probed the spin dynamics within a special material known as a Heusler compound: a mixture of metals that behaves like a single magnetic material.

Scott Diddams with his students in the lab

Researchers to test Einstein’s predictions of general relativity atop Rocky Mountains

Nov. 6, 2023

Imagine being able to measure tiny changes in the flow of time caused by Earth’s gravity with atomic clocks atop one of Colorado’s iconic peaks. That could soon be a reality thanks to an NSF grant that will advance geodesy through the use of quantum sensors, some of the most precise in the world.

Sen. Michael Bennet visits with Jun Ye, professor adjoint and fellow, while visiting JILA

Â鶹ÒùÔº. Michael Bennet celebrate quantum hub news, hear from students

Oct. 23, 2023

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet visited campus Oct. 20, and the trip to campus became an unexpected cause for celebration about Colorado’s place in the nation’s burgeoning quantum ecosystem.

ring of dust around a star with small planet in the foreground

An infrared telescope that spans the globe? New grant may make it possible

Sept. 14, 2023

Physicists and engineers at CU Boulder envision infrared astronomy telescopes that may one day span the entire globe—syncing up observations from instruments spread across the continents, or even orbiting Earth, and giving scientists an unprecedented look at phenomena like the birth of new planets.

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