About the Quantum Physics Division
The Division, part of NIST's
Physics Laboratory, participates in
JILA, a
cooperative enterprise between NIST and the University of Colorado (CU).
The Division conducts long-term, cutting edge research in quantum physics and
related areas in support of the Nation's science and technology.
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The 2001 Nobel Prize in
Physics was awarded jointly to Eric A. Cornell of
NIST / JILA;
Wolfgang Ketterle of MIT; and Carl E. Wieman of CU / JILA. |
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Research
Areas
The Quantum Physics Division works on fundamental, highly accurate,
measurements and theoretical analyses, using quantum physics, quantum optics,
chemical physics, gravitational physics, and geophysical
measurements. In particular, the Division:
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develops
the laser as a precise measurement tool;
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determines fundamental constants and tests the fundamental
postulates of physics;
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exploits Bose-Einstein condensation as well as quantum degenerate
Fermi gases for metrology and low temperature physics;
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investigates new ways to direct and control atoms and molecules;
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characterizes chemical processes and their interactions with
nanostructures;
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studies the interaction of ultrashort light pulses with matter;
and
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measures nanometer scale motion of biological
molecules.
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| NIST Physicist Wins
Nobel Prize! |
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Eric Cornell
of NIST and Carl Wieman of the University of Colorado are winners of the 2001
Nobel Prize in physics along with Wolfgang Ketterle of MIT. They are
recognized "for the achievement of Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute gases
of alkali atoms, and for early fundamental studies of the properties of the
condensates." |
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