Dr Scott Parkins

Research | Current

Research areas

• Theoretical quantum optics
• Cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED)
• Many-body cavity QED and quantum phase transitions

Current research

My field of research is theoretical quantum optics, with particular emphasis on cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity QED) – the interaction of atoms with quantised light fields (e.g., single photons) inside optical resonators. My specific interests are in the controlled preparation of uniquely quantum-mechanical states of both the atoms and light fields. Such states are of interest from a fundamental point of view as well as being of basic importance in the very topical fields of quantum information processing (e.g., quantum computing) and quantum phase transitions.

Some examples of the research projects I am currently pursuing are as follows:

• Cavity QED with coupled optical resonators
  Here we examine the modification of fundamental radiative properties of atoms that interact with the light fields of the resonators, focussing on the influence that distant atoms can have on each other through their light-mediated interactions.
• Many-body cavity QED
  We consider many-atom systems with long range interactions mediated by the light fields of optical resonators. Such many-body interacting quantum systems can exhibit a variety of different quantum states, or phases, as well as the concomitant critical phenomena associated with transitions between these phases. We explore schemes for manipulating interactions, via specific atomic level configurations and tailored laser excitations, in such a way as to generate novel quantum phases and phase transitions.

Areas of expertise