Rate My Professor Walker Thad

Walker's research centers on atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with expertise in quantum information processing using Rydberg atoms, spin-exchange optical pumping, and atomic magnetometry. In his laboratory, he and his students use lasers to cool atoms to microKelvin temperatures, investigate ultracold atomic interactions, and develop spin-polarized atomic sources for applications including magnetic resonance imaging and biomagnetism such as fetal magnetocardiography. He co-authored the book Optically Pumped Atoms (2010) with William Happer and Yuan-Yu Jau. His highly cited publications include "Quantum information with Rydberg atoms" (Reviews of Modern Physics, 2010), "Spin-exchange optical pumping of noble-gas nuclei" (Reviews of Modern Physics, 1997), "Observation of Rydberg blockade between two atoms" (Nature Physics, 2009), and "Demonstration of a neutral atom controlled-NOT quantum gate" (Physical Review Letters, 2010). Walker has received the American Physical Society Fellowship (1999) for pioneering work in spin exchange, optical pumping, ultracold collisions, and laser cooling; the Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship (2022); H.I. Romnes Fellowship (1996); David and Lucile Packard Fellowship (1992); National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award (1992); and Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (1991). He has mentored over thirty students and postdocs from high school to postdoctoral levels and was elected vice-chair of the APS Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics.