Our ‘Spotlight on’ series highlights how our researchers are leading their field and transforming lives. Professor Simon Cornish works at the forefront of quantum physics, using cutting-edge techniques to explore the fundamental laws of nature.
Simon studies atoms and molecules at ultracold temperatures - typically within a millionth of a degree of absolute zero (which is minus 273.15 Celsius).
At such cold temperatures atoms and molecules move very slowly and behave according to quantum mechanics.
For researchers like Simon, these conditions provide the opportunity to learn about the fundamental laws that govern nature at a microscopic level. It also allows them to explore quantum mechanics to develop new technologies such as quantum computers and simulators.
Simon and his team use lasers and magnetic fields to cool and trap atoms, creating unique quantum states like Bose-Einstein condensates. They can even trap and move single atoms – enabling them to build matter atom by atom.
Building a world-leading research team
Simon’s career started at Oxford University where he studied atomic, molecular and optical physics. This included working long shifts at a particle accelerator that, during beam time, ran 24 hours a day.
Keen to work on a more ‘tabletop’ experiment where he was in full control (and did not have to work shifts!) he joined a pioneering team in Colorado to help push the complexity of experiments forward, controlling atomic interactions.
During this time he was part of the team that achieved the first observation of the Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) of rubidium-85. This huge achievement enabled the control of interactions in a BEC using a Feshbach resonance and became the foundation of Simon’s career (see research paper on this published in APS Physical Review Journal and research using this capability published in Nature).
In 2002 Simon secured a Royal Society University Research Fellowship and a chance meeting led him to Durham in 2004.
Here he has developed a world-leading research group specialising in ultracold molecules. In 2014 this group became only the third in the world to make ground state polar molecules by pairing atoms together. This achievement put Simon, and Durham University, on the map as a leader in the field of ultracold molecules.
Lasting legacy
Simon’s work to further the understanding of collisions between ultracold molecules and develop a magic wavelength trap have addressed two of the biggest challenges in the field.
His research group has achieved world-record coherence times and revealed the long-range interactions between molecules. These achievements are at the forefront of development of quantum computers.
Simon continues to strive for continued advancement in the field – his current goal is to increase the number of molecules that can be fully controlled using quantum mechanics.
He is also committed to supporting the next generation of researchers in ultracold molecules at Durham.
He hopes that in doing so, this will create a lasting and long-standing legacy when he eventually retires.
Find out more
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/central-news-and-events-images/83431-1920X290.jpg)