A&S Graduate Studies

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[PAST EVENT] Nikunjkumar Prajapati, Physics - Oral Exam for the Ph.D. 

June 10, 2020
10am - 1pm
Location
Remote via Zoom
Access & Features
  • Open to the public
Nik Prajapati

Nikunjkumar Prajapati, Physics - Final Oral Exam for the Ph.D., Title: Development of Quantum Information Tools
Based on Multi- Photon Raman Processes in Rb Vapor 

https://cwm.zoom.us/j/2265950403 

Abstract: Multi-photon nonlinear processes in atoms have served as important tools for quantum metrology, quantum communications, and quantum sensing. In this thesis, I experimentally address various mechanisms for multi-photon Raman processes in Rb vapor, focusing primarily on four-wave mixing (FWM), and demonstrate their usefulness for quantum applications. FWM is a source of quantum states of light, like squeezed states which have utility in enhancing measurements beyond classical limits. Such enhancements lead to increased relative phase and intensity sensitivities and offer a channel for quantum communications. FWM also has a dark side, resulting in decoherence in processes vital to communications and can be addressed by other multi-photon processes. At the same time, these multi-photon processes can also be coupled to the squeezed states of light for increased utility in spectral absorption measurement and other potential applications.

Bio: Nikunj Prajapati was born in Nadiad, India and came to America at the age of 5. He grew up near Atlantic City, New Jersey, and stayed there for undergrad, attending Stockton University. After getting his B.S. in physics, he continued along the academic route and found himself at William & Mary as a graduate student. Here, he joined the research group of Irina Novikova and worked on using nonlinear optics for the enhancement of quantum technologies. In the next phase, he will work as a postdoc at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colorado on the detection of RF waves using Rydberg atoms.