Contact
Associate Professor, Faculty of Science - Physics
- ljleblan@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-6562
- Address
-
3-207 Centennial Ctr For Interdisciplinary SCS II
11335 Saskatchewan Drive NWEdmonton ABT6G 2H5
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
Ultracold quantum gases Quantum technologies
About
- 2020 - present: Associate Professor, University of Alberta
- 2013 - 2020: Assistant Professor, University of Alberta
- 2014 - present: Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Ultracold Quantum Gases
- 2015 - 2019: Fellow, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Quantum Materials Program
- 2014 - 2017: AITF Strategic Chair (Tier 3) in Hybrid quantum systems
- 2010 - 2013: NSERC Postdoctoral fellow, Joint Quantum Institute, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Maryland
- 2011: Ph.D. Physics, University of Toronto
- 2005: M.Sc. Physics, University of Toronto
- 2003: B.Sc. Engineering Physics, University of Alberta
Research
Quantum gases of ultracold atoms are well-suited to address fundamental quantum physics questions, using established atomic physics techniques for control, manipulation, and measurement. Through a combination of laser cooling, optical trapping, and magnetic field control, we can engineer systems that mimic other physical systems, especially those found in condensed matter, and use the principles of quantum simulation to study phenomena that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to explore.
The University of Alberta Ultracold Quantum Gases Laboratory focusses on two primary areas of research:
Quantum simulation
A dual-species Rb-K apparatus is designed to study the many-body states of matter that emerge under the influence of strong interactions, spin-orbit coupling, and unique external potentials. We are especially interested in looking for new types of many-body order, especially at the transitions between different states and through out-of-equilibrium dynamics. Here, we seek to answer questions about the differences between the individual and communal behaviour of quantum particles as complexity increases towards conventional, classical behaviour.
Hybrid quantum systems and quantum technologies
Using a reconfigurable ultrahigh vacuum system, we will create ultracold gases of atoms and bring them close to the surfaces of solid state devices, both to study the coupling between the electronic and magnetic degrees of freedom between the two systems, and to use one to probe the other. These experiments will focus on using the advantages of the ultracold atoms systems (long coherence times and low temperatures) with the ability to interface solid state devices, including macroscopic microwave cavities, with conventional computation and readout.
Teaching
Currently, the Ultracold Quantum Gases Laboratory includes four PhD and three Masters students. Opportunities are often available for post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate research projects/internships.
Currently, I am teaching Phys 146: Fluids and Waves.
Every second year, I will be teaching a cross-listed undergrad/grad course in Winter term: Phys 495/595: Quantum Atomic and Optical Physics
Announcements
Openings are often available for postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate research experiences. For more details, contact Prof. LeBlanc.
Our lab is part of the Quanta CREATE program; for details, see ualberta.ca/~quanta
Courses
PHYS 146 - Fluids and Waves
A calculus-based course for students majoring in the physical sciences. Fluid statics and dynamics, elasticity and simple harmonic motion; sound waves, wave properties of light; quantum waves, wave-particle duality. Prerequisite: PHYS 124 (see Note following) or 144. Corequisite: MATH 118 or 146. Note: MATH 115 is not acceptable as a co-requisite but may be used as a pre-requisite in place of MATH 118 or 146. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of PHYS 126, 130, 146 or SCI 100. Note: To proceed to PHYS 146 after taking PHYS 124, it is strongly recommended that a minimum grade of B- be achieved in PHYS 124.