Sokolov, Alexei Professor

Sokolov's research belongs to the broader field of atomic, molecular and optical physics. In particular, his work on molecular coherence, wherein an ensemble of molecules vibrate in unison, enabled remote detection of pathogens in real time. This achievement evolved from foundational work on maximal coherence preparation and usage, i. e. on tailoring light pulses to make a number of molecules vibrate in unison and then utilizing these coherent vibrations to control light. Sokolov's current research interests center around applications of molecular coherence to quantum optics, ultrafast laser science and technology, including generation of sub-cycle optical pulses with prescribed temporal shape and studies of ultrafast atomic, molecular, and nuclear processes, as well as applications of quantum coherence in biological, medical and industrial settings.