Research Expertise and Interest

precision measurements, nanoscale sensing, precision metrology, timekeeping, tests of relativity, quantum sensing, quantum

Research Description

Shimon Kolkowitz is an associate professor in the Department of Physics. His research focuses on metrology, tests of fundamental physics, and nanoscale sensing using quantum systems.

The Kolkowitz Lab is building some of the most precise clocks in the world out of ultracold strontium atoms trapped in optical lattices. They are investigating ways to make these “optical lattice clocks” even more precise and accurate. They are also developing novel applications of these amazing instruments, including new tests of relativity, space-based gravitational wave detectors, and searches for dark matter and other physics beyond the Standard Model.

They are also researching new sensing techniques using single atom-scale defects trapped inside of diamonds. They are developing new protocols using spatial and temporal correlations between these defects to probe correlated dynamics in strongly interacting condensed matter systems. They are also investigating applications for new and under-explored defects in diamond and 2D materials.