Probing Driven Quantum Gases and Enhancing Professional Development Pathways at a Minority-Serving Institution
Abstract
Much of the richness of solid-state physical systems and technologies, including band structure, semiconductors, metals, and insulators, arises from the interplay between quantum mechanics and spatial periodicity. The overall scientific goal of the proposed project is to explore a related variety of phenomena that arise in the presence of temporal (rather than spatial) periodicity. A temporally periodic system has a ÒheartbeatÓ which can play a role analogous to the spatially periodic lattice in a crystal, stabilizing particular states of matter or generating new types of interactions. Specific scientific objectives of the proposed work include the demonstration of temporal Anderson localization, the realization and control of long-range interactions in a time-domain lattice model, and the measurement of fundamental memory effects in driven quantum gases. Along with enhancing research in DoD-relevant disciplines, this HBCU/MI DoD project aims to enhance professional development pathways to careers in STEM for under-represented minorities (URMs). Campus support for this goal is demonstrated by a significant cost-share commitment. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, UCSB faces a critical need to address student academic and career preparation to better serve the changing demographics of our student body. The project will support career preparation for URM STEM students through a new professional development workshop series; individualized career training and mentoring for graduate students and postdocs; a physics textbook library for economically disadvantaged students; a travel grant program for UCSB and UC-HBCU students to attend scientific conferences and collaboratively visit other institutions; and direct research participation by one postdoc, one graduate student researcher, and one undergraduate researcher each year (the latter two supported by non- DoD funding). In partnership with the UCSB SACNAS graduate student chapter and the graduate division, professional development workshops will be developed and disseminated both at UCSB and at national professional meetings such as SACNAS or APS. To broaden the impact, career and professional development workshops and events will be open to the entire UCSB STEM community.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 20, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010294
Entities
People
- David M. Weld
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of California, Santa Barbara