Events at Physics |
Events on Friday, January 30th, 2026
- Physics Department Colloquium
- Atomtricity: From Gauge Field Theory to Transistors for Matter Waves
- Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Place: Chamberlin 2241
- Speaker: Dana Z. Anderson, Infleqtion and University of Colorado, Boulder
- Abstract: Gauge fields arise within a rather abstract theoretical framework for addressing interactions among sets of identical particles; it is central particularly to high-energy particle physics and has recently become of interest to the AMO and quantum information physics communities. The canonical electronic transistor is a three-terminal device in which a weak signal can control a much stronger one. The transistor has a central role in nearly all modern electronics products. This talk takes a fast-moving yet scenic path starting with gauge field theory to describe the principles of transistors that operate on (ultracold) atoms rather than electrons. Historically gauge field theory was developed to understand the fundamental particles and forces of nature. Notably, Maxwell’s equations can be derived directly from a gauge field theory that incorporates the speed of light and the impedance of free space as empirical constraints (among a few others). Yet gauge field theory itself is agnostic as to whether particles and forces are or are not fundamental. We have applied it to identical neutral atoms that interact (such as ultracold 87Rb atoms) via van der Waals forces. Imposing the laws of non-relativistic quantum mechanics rather than the laws of Relativity as constraints to the theory leads to a set of matter wave duals to Maxwell’s equations. These ultimately lead to what one might refer to as the “laws of atomtricity” that are duals to the laws of electromagnetism. These laws enable one to define and study the mechanics of AC matter waves, i.e., waves that are associated with alternating particle currents. Their behavior is dramatically different than the more familiar matter waves associated with the time-independent Schrödinger equation. The laws of atomtricity naturally involve the concept of impedance, which concept leads to circuit elements, and particularly to transistors and transistor circuits that can be used to generate AC matter waves. Being an applied physicist, I cannot help but tell you how the new physics and matter wave circuits can be useful.
- Host: Mark Saffman