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

I will demonstrate how multiscale imaging approaches can be used to detect early changes in carcinogenesis and reveal complex therapeutic responses by identifying dynamic, rare events alongside detailed sub-cellular and molecular characteristics. This technology opens new avenues for exploring biological systems, with the potential to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

The creation of a matter-wave interferometer can be achieved by loading Bose-Einstein condensed atoms into a crystal of light formed by interfering laser beams. By translating this optical lattice in a specific way, the traditional steps of interferometry can all be implemented, i.e., splitting, propagating, reflecting, and recombining the quantum wavefunction. Using this concept, we have designed and built a compact device to sense inertial signals, including accelerations, rotations, gravity, and gravity gradients.

Solving problems with optical spectroscopy often requires measurement of highly dynamic systems and probing extreme physical/chemical environments in the presence of turbulence and high temperatures.  In this presentation, I will discuss challenges for spectroscopy in these dynamic systems, and how high-speed tunable lasers overcome these issues.