Aaron Reinhard

Aaron Reinhard joined the Kenyon faculty as an associate professor of physics in 2017. His research is in the field of laser cooling and trapping, or using lasers to collect atoms and lower their temperature to a few millionths of a degree above absolute zero. These samples give researchers exquisite control over the quantum states of atoms and have enabled exciting new technologies. The Reinhard lab focuses on the interactions among ultracold, highly excited Rydberg atoms. Their research will help pave the way for a neutral atom quantum computer, or a computer where each “0” or “1” is encoded in the state of an atom, and which operates according to the strange rules of quantum mechanics. Professor Reinhard works with multiple students in his lab each year. His work is funded by the National Science Foundation.