Lindsay LeBlanc, PhD

Area of Study / Keywords

Ultracold quantum gases Quantum technologies

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About

Research Website

• 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

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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 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

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

PHYS 294 - General Physics Laboratory

Introduction to experimental physics through select, classic experiments in physics from the 19th through 21st centuries performed using contemporary instrumentation when possible. Introduction to the statistical treatment of uncertainties, and analysis and graphing of experimental data with open-source scientific software. Skill development in written and oral presentation of laboratory results. Prerequisites: MATH 100 or 114 or 117 or 134 or 144 or 154; one of PHYS 124, PHYS 144, or EN PH 131; and one of PHYS 126, PHYS 146, PHYS 181 or PHYS 130. Note: PHYS 294 will not count towards degree credit for Honors programs offered by the physics department (including physics, geophysics, astrophysics and mathematical physics). Students enrolled in those Honors programs are required to take PHYS 295 instead.

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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.

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Browse more courses taught by Lindsay LeBlanc

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

Nature Photonics.

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

Physical Review A. 100

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A. Tretiakov, L. J. LeBlanc

Physical Review A. 94

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

Physical Review Research. 1

• Research Website