Friday condensed matter seminar: (Quantum) Physics in Rotating Frames

Friday 27 February 2026, 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Venue

Physics C36

Open to

All Lancaster University (non-partner) students, Postgraduates, Staff, Undergraduates

Registration

Registration not required - just turn up

Event Details

Marion Cromb, University of Nottingham, delivers a talk on (Quantum) Physics in Rotating Frames in the Physics Department.

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.

About the speaker:

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.

Contact Details

Name Roshan Ali
Email

r.m.ali@lancaster.ac.uk