Research Projects
Levitated Optomechanics
Dr. Brian D'Urso, Assistant Professor of Physics
The research in the D'Urso group pursues new precision measurements and addresses fundamental physics questions. We utilize microparticles and nanoparticles levitated in magnetic, optical, and Paul traps under vacuum to make sensitive measurements with controlled coupling to the environment. Ultimately, we are pursuing the observation of quantum behavior in macroscopic objects, which could enable new techniques for measuring gravity, for inertial guidance, and even for gravity wave detection. Two specific goals we are currently pursuing include fundamental tests of quantum mechanics including gravitational decoherence and a new approach to a precision measurement of the Newtonian gravitational constant G. We use a broad range of experimental techniques including optics, ultra-high vacuum, electronics, and cryogenics.
We are currently looking for new graduate students to join the group.
 |
 |
 |
Quantum Materials & Nano-Optics
Dr. Nick Borys, Assistant Professor of Physics
The Quantum Materials & Nano-Optics group investigates the optical, electronic and quantum properties of new material systems that are of interest for next-generation technologies in areas that include quantum computing, quantum information science, artificial light harvesting, and high-performance sensing. In the lab, sophisticated nano-optical laser spectroscopy and microscopy tools are used to measure how such new materials interact with light on very small length scales (as small as 10 billionths of a meter) and very fast timescales (billionths of a second and faster). From these studies, the Borys Group seeks to discover new phenomena that will improve our understanding of quantum mechanical effects in solid-state materials and aid the development of new technologies that use quantum effects. The group is continually improving capabilities and inventing new techniques to overcome the challenges that arise when trying to understand the newest quantum material systems.
Motivated students who are interested in quantum materials and nano-optical spectroscopy techniques are encouraged to contact Dr. Borys to discuss open positions and potential projects.
 |
 |
 |
Ultrastable Lasers and Materials for Signal Processing, Memories, and Lasers
Dr. Rufus Cone, Professor of Physics, Distinguished Professor College of Letters and Science, and
Dr. Charles Thiel
- Ultra-high resolution optical spectroscopy of solids to sub-100Hz level
- Designing new optical signal processing and memory materials and devices
- Developing new laser crystals and methods for analysis of laser crystals
- Relation of crystal valence and conduction band states to rare earth ion levels via UV photoemission
- Stabilization of lasers to spectral holes - several patents issued for technology
 |
 |
 |
RF Photonics Group
Dr. Wm Randall Babbitt, Professor of Physics, Affiliate Faculty of Spectrum Laboratory
- The fundamental physics and applications of spatial-spectral holography
- The physics and applications of combined coherent lidar and digital holography
- The physics and applications of quantum communication and network (with Krishna Rupavatharam, Director of Spectrum Lab)
 |
 |
 |
Ultrafast Nonlinear Optics and Holography
Dr. Aleksander Rebane, Professor of Physics
- Femtosecond Time-and-Space Domain Holography
- One- and Two-Photon Coherent Transients and Spectral Hole Burning
- New Multi-Photon Absorbing NLO Materials
- Ultrafast Multi-Photon Spectroscopy
People
Physics Faculty Participating in Optical and Quantum Systems research:
| Name/Title | Contact Information | |
|
Wm. Randall Babbitt, Ph.D Professor |
Phone: 406-994-6156 |
 |
|
Nick Borys, Ph.D Assistant Professor |
Phone:
Email: nicholas.borys@montana.edu |
 |
|
Rufus L. Cone, Ph.D Distinguished Professor, Letters and Sciences |
Phone: 406-994-6175 |
 |
|
Brian D'urso Ph.D Assistant Professor |
Phone: 406-994-3456
Email: durso@montana.edu |
 |
|
Aleks Rebane Ph.D Professor |
Phone: 406-994-7831 Email: arebane@montana.edu |
 |
|
Charles Thiel, Ph.D Research Scientist |
Phone: 406-994-4363 |
 |
Postdoctoral Research Associates who are Participating in Optics and Quantum Systems:
| Name | Contact Information | |
|
Thomas Rust, PhD Cone-Thiel group |
Email: thomas.rust@montana.edu Office: |
 |
|
Jason Scott, PhD Cone-Thiel group |
Email: jason.scott@montana.edu Office: |
|
Graduate Students that are Participating in Optics and Quantum Systems:
| Name | Contact Information | |
| Aislinn Daniels |
Email: aislinn.daniels@montana.edu Office: Barnard 226 |
 |
| Torrey McLoughlin |
Email: torrey.mcloughlin@montana.edu Office: Barnard 226 |
|
| Adam Olivera | |
|
| Owen Wolfe |
Email: owen.wolfe@montana.edu Office: Barnard 227 |
 |