OSC Colloquium: Abbie Watnik, "Controlling Light in Uncontrolled Environments"

Interactions between atoms or atom-like emitters and electromagnetic fields are at the heart of nearly all quantum optical phenomena and quantum information applications. With growing efforts towards miniaturization -- both with the fundamental motivation to explore strong light-matter coupling regimes and the practical goal of making quantum devices more modular – understanding and controlling atom-field interactions at nanoscales becomes increasingly relevant.

At the core of these exciting scientific endeavors lie innovative optomechanical technologies and precision laser interferometers that make this all possible. In my presentation, I will comment on these applications and discuss the research work conducted in my research group at the University of Arizona on the advances and implementation of novel optomechanical technologies in areas of precision measurements, inertial sensing, and scientific space missions.