Quantum Hydrodynamics Lab
Welcome To the coldest place at UsD
At the QHL, we use ultracold atoms - a macroscopic quantum system - to experimentally investigate the fundamental nature of matter and the behavior of superfluids under strong perturbations.
We are also passionate about providing undergraduates with research and training opportunities in quantum science and technology.
QUANTUM SIMULATIONS
We perform experimental physics research in the realm of "quantum simulation" - which is using a highly flexible quantum system to create analogs of more complex systems to study their fundamental behavior with a variety of tools that capitalize on the "quantum-ness" of the system.
MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH
The Cold Atom Lab is a user facility located on the International Space Station that creates ultracold atoms in perpetual micro-gravity environments. Our research on this system focuses on the fundamental creation and subsequent behavior of three- and four-body bound states.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH & TRAINING
As the only lab of its kind at University of San Diego (and 1 of 2 in San Diego alone), Dr. Mossman spends a significant amount of her time training and engaging with students in her lab and in her classes, where students learn applicable skills for experimental physics research.
Spring '23 Graduating seniors from the group.
L to R: Dustin, Shaw, Judith (Sp'22), Mossman, Danielle, Brandon, Kat, and Carlo.
At the Quantum Hydrodynamics Lab (QHL), we study the coldest matter in the universe – making our lab the coldest at USD! In the lab, we use techniques with light and magnetic fields to cool and manipulate ultracold bosons. Doing this, we create the fifth state of matter, known as dilute-gas Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). The QHL conducts experiments at USD and in the microgravity environment provided by the International Space Station. These space-based studies are collaborative efforts with WSU Pullman, CU Boulder and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The lab is lead by Prof. Maren Mossman (pronouns: she/her/hers), the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Physics. Her research interests include ultracold gases, ion trapping, quantum sensing, quantum hydrodynamics, and more. If an experiment uses ultracold atoms, she is excited about it!
Prof. Mossman believes that being a good science communicator and an enthusiastic mentor are some of the most important and lasting contributions scientists can make as members of the community. As such, she tries to have both when interacting with her students and her peers.
Whether you are curious and simply exploring or you are interested in joining the Quantum Hydrodynamics Lab, we hope you are able to find what you are looking for.
QHLVideo.mp4Video created by Andrew Jockelle