Project Grant 2309238

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a 5-year, $1,715,000 Project Grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to The Leland Stanford Junior University (Stanford University) to conduct research on ultrafast strong-field control of coherence and entanglement in atoms and molecules. The research focuses on investigating and controlling the rapid motion of electrons and atoms within molecules using precise external forces from high-intensity, ultrafast laser pulses. The main objectives are to understand and control the quantum-level behavior of these subatomic particles, which is critical for advancing applications in areas such as molecular chemistry, biomedicine, fuel production, and energy storage. The research explores the fascinating properties of quantum physics, including tunneling, coherence, and entanglement, and how they impact important processes like photosynthesis, photovoltaic energy conversion, and battery performance. The findings may also have implications for atmospheric and oceanic chemistry involving water and small organic molecules. The research aims to map out and manipulate the pathways of molecular changes on femtosecond and sub-femtosecond timescales using advanced laser techniques.