Lindsay LeBlanc, PhD

Area of Study / Keywords

Ultracold quantum gases Quantum technologies

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About

Research Website

• 2025 - present: Professor, University of Alberta 
• 2025 - present: Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Atomic Quantum Science and Technology
• 2020 - 2025: Associate Professor, University of Alberta 
• 2013 - 2020: Assistant Professor, University of Alberta 
• 2014 - 2024: 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

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Research

Research Website

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. 

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Teaching

Currently, the Ultracold Quantum Gases Laboratory includes four PhD and two Masters students. Opportunities are often available for post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate research projects/internships. 

Currently, I am teaching Phys 294 and Phys 295, experimental lab courses.

Every second year, I will be teaching a cross-listed undergrad/grad course in Winter term: Phys 495/595: Quantum Atomic and Optical Physics

Openings are often available for postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate research experiences. For more details, contact Prof. LeBlanc.

PHYS 295 - Experimental Physics I

Contemporary methods of experimental physics with measurements from classical and modern physics. Analysis and graphing of experimental data using programming techniques. Estimation and statistical treatment of experimental uncertainties consistent with standard practice in physics. Planning and record keeping for experimental work, written presentation of laboratory results. Prerequisites: MATH 101 or 115 or 118 or 146, one of PHYS 124, PHYS 144, or EN PH 131; and one of PHYS 126, PHYS 146, PHYS 181, or PHYS 130. Note: To proceed to PHYS 295 after taking PHYS 126 a minimum grade of B+ in PHYS 126 and some experience of computer programming are strongly recommended. Students may only receive credit in one of PHYS 294 or PHYS 295.

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Browse more courses taught by Lindsay LeBlanc

Bahar Babaei, Benjamin D. Smith, Andrei Tretiakov, Andal Narayanan, Lindsay J. LeBlanc

Applied Physics Letters. 2026 May; 10.1063/5.0323832

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A Tretiakov, C A Potts, B Lu, J P Davis, L J LeBlanc

Journal of Physics: Photonics. 2024 July; 10.1088/2515-7647/ad2ac8

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Logan W. Cooke, Arina Tashchilina, Mason Protter, Joseph Lindon, Tian Ooi, Frank Marsiglio, Joseph Maciejko, Lindsay J. LeBlanc

Physical Review Research. 2024 January; 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.013057

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N Milson, A Tashchilina, T Ooi, A Czarnecka, Z F Ahmad, L J LeBlanc

Machine Learning: Science and Technology. 2023 December; 10.1088/2632-2153/ad1437

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Benjamin D. Smith, Bahar Babaei, Andal Narayanan, Lindsay J. LeBlanc

Communications Physics. 2023 November; 10.1038/s42005-023-01455-y

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Logan W. Cooke, Arina Tashchilina, Mason Protter, Joseph Lindon, Tian Ooi, Frank Marsiglio, Joseph Maciejko, Lindsay J. LeBlanc

2023 July; 10.48550/arXiv.2307.12957

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Benjamin D. Smith, Bahar Babaei, Andal Narayanan, Lindsay J. LeBlanc

Communications Physics. 2023 May; 6 10.1038/s42005-023-01455-y

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Joseph Lindon, Arina Tashchilina, Logan W. Cooke, Lindsay J. LeBlanc

Physical Review Applied. 2023 March; 19 10.1103/PhysRevApplied.19.034089

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Anindya Rastogi, Erhan Saglamyurek, Taras Hrushevskyi, Lindsay J. LeBlanc

Physical Review Letters. 2022 September; 129 10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.120502

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B. D. Smith, L. W. Cooke, and L. J. LeBlanc.

Computer Physics Communications. 2022 June; 275 10.1016/j.cpc.2022.108314

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M. Ruether, C.A. Potts, J.P. Davis and L.J. LeBlanc.

Journal of Physics Communications. 2021 December; 5 10.1088/2399-6528/ac3cff

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E. Saglamyurek, T. Hrushevskyi, A. Rastogi, L. W. Cooke, B. D. Smith, and L. J. LeBlanc.

New Journal of Physics. 2021 April; 23 10.1088/1367-2630/abf1d9

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A. Tretiakov, C. A. Potts, T. S. Lee, M. J. Thiessen, J. P. Davis, L. J. LeBlanc

Applied Physics Letters. 2020 April; 116

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E. Saglamyurek, T. Hrushevskyi, L. W. Cooke, A. Rastogi, L. J. LeBlanc.

Physical Review Research. 1

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A. Tretiakov, L. J. LeBlanc

Physical Review A. 94

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Anindya Rastogi, Erhan Saglamyurek, Taras Hrushevskyi, Scott Hubele, Lindsay J. LeBlanc

Physical Review A. 100

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Erhan Saglamyurek, Taras Hrushevskyi, Anindya Rastogi, Khabat Heshami, and Lindsay J. LeBlanc.

Nature Photonics.

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View additional publications

• Research Website