Dowling - Gaarde - Lee - O'Connell - Rau - Schafer
Molecular Physics
The atomic, molecular, and optical physics program at LSU bring together the theoretical work of Rau, Schafer, Gaarde, Boyd Professor O'Connell, and Hearne Professor Dowling. Topics under investigation in atomic theory by this group include scattering, excitation, and ionization in electron-atom and electron-ion collisions, atoms in strong fields, and photo absorption. The roles of correlation, resonance, and relativistic effects are studied.
Quantum Optical Physics
Dowling leads the Quantum Science and Technologies Group, in the Hearne Institute for Theoretical Physics, which carries out research in quantum optics, quantum information theory, and photonic band-gap materials development.
In addition, there are ties to experimental work in opto-electronic devices in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, particularly in the laboratory of Theda Daniels-Race, as well as ties to the photonic band-gap theory work in the Department of Mathematics, carried out by Stephen Shipman.
O'Connell studies a variety of problem in quantum optics, and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Dissipative and fluctuation phenomena in quantum mechanics are a common theme in most of his research. Particular emphasis is given to quantum measurement theory and decoherence.
Atomic Physics
Schafer and Gaarde work on intense laser effects on atoms, including multiphoton ionization, high harmonic generation, and the production of attosecond pulses. This group has strong ties to several experimental programs in the US and in Europe. Working with faculty members in this group are postdoctoral associates and a number of graduate students.
Rau's primary research interests in atomic physics are in understanding highly correlated motions. These may be the motions of an electron in an atom under the simultaneous strong influence of an external field in addition to the internal electric field in the atom. He also studies problems involving strong time-dependent electromagnetic fields.
In addition, there are ties to the experimental work in atomic physics in the Department of Chemistry, particularly in the laboratories of John B. Hopkins and Erwin Poliakoff, and Boyd Professor Sean McGlynn. Students from the department in Poliakoff's group study vibrationally resolved excitation of small molecules with photons of energy 10-200 eV at the CAMD synchrotron facility.
