Kastler–Brossel Laboratory


The Kastler–Brossel Laboratory, located in Paris, France, is a research laboratory specializing in fundamental physics of quantum systems. Founded in 1951 by Alfred Kastler and Jean Brossel, it is a joint research unit operated by the French National Centre for Scientific Research, the École normale supérieure, the Sorbonne University and the Collège de France.

Brief history

The laboratory was founded in 1951 by Alfred Kastler and Jean Brossel on the theme of the interaction between light and matter. The initial name of laboratory was the « Laboratoire de spectroscopie Hertzienne de l'ENS ». It is located in the Department of Physics of École normale supérieure.
In 1967, a second site opened on the Jussieu campus.
In 1994, the laboratory changed its name to « Laboratoire Kastler Brossel » in honor of its two founders.
Now, the Kastler Brossel Laboratory is one of the main actor in the field of fundamental physics of quantum systems.

Research activity

Many new themes have appeared recently in the field of fundamental physics of quantum systems, like quantum entanglement or Bose–Einstein condensation in gases, which leads to a constant renewal of the research carried out in the laboratory. Presently its activity takes several forms: cold atoms, atom lasers, quantum fluids, atoms in solid helium; quantum optics, cavity quantum electrodynamics; quantum information and quantum theory of measurement; quantum chaos; high-precision measurements. These themes lead not only to a better understanding of fundamental phenomena, but also to important applications, like more precise atomic clocks, improvement of detectors based on atomic interferometry or new methods for biomedical imaging.

Director and former directors