Dr. Alexei Sokolov
Department of Physics and Astronomy
College of Arts & Sciences
Alexei Sokolov obtained his Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University. Dr. Sokolov joined the Texas A&M faculty in 2001 and is a professor in physics and astronomy, with a joint appointment in electrical and computer engineering, and a Stephen E. Harris Professorship in quantum optics. His pioneering contributions to the field of molecular physics include field-opening work on molecular coherence, wherein molecules vibrate in sync, enabled his first-ever detection of anthrax in real-time. This achievement evolved from his foundational work on maximal coherence preparation and usage on tailoring light pulses to make an ensemble of molecules vibrate in unison and then utilizing these coherent vibrations to control light. His research interests include applications of molecular coherence to quantum optics, ultrafast laser science and technology, studies of ultrafast atomic, molecular and nuclear processes and applications of quantum coherence in biological, medical and defense-oriented areas. Dr. Sokolov is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, the American Physical Society and a Presidential Impact Fellow at Texas A&M. His awards include the Adolph Lomb Medal, a Research Innovation Award, the Robert Hyer Award, the Association of Former Students' Distinguished Achievement Award in Research to name a few.