[Seminar] (Quantum) Physics in Rotating Frames

Dr Marion Cromb, Post-doctoral experimental researcher, University of Nottingham

Abstract:

The way quantum phenomena are affected by the frame of reference in which they occur is deeply connected to one of the most fundamental mysteries - the unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity. Some of the theorised effects are very well known, others less so, and direct experimental tests have been relatively overlooked. I can present an overview of my experimental work in several different areas: photon entanglement in rotating frames, the amplification of certain field modes by rotating absorbers that lead to 'black-hole bomb' instabilities, and a potential test of the Unruh effect - the transformation of the vacuum to an accelerated observer.

Biography:

Dr Marion Cromb (they/them/their) is a post-doctoral experimental researcher in Silke Weinfurtner's Gravity Laboratory at the University of Nottingham, currently working on optical detection of superfluid surface modes. Their PhD work with Daniele Faccio at the University of Glasgow included the manipulation of photon entanglement via mechanical rotation, and the amplification of angular momentum modes scattered from rotating objects. Their previous post-doctoral work with Hendrik Ulbricht at the University of Southampton extended this observation of amplification into the 'generation' regime, creating a 'black hole bomb' instability. In their spare time they like to go out sketching.