Nathan Lemke

Nathan Lemke serves as a Senior Staff Physicist in the Physics & Engineering Department of Bethel University's College of Arts and Sciences, leading the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics laboratory since joining the institution in 2018. His role encompasses experimental research direction and undergraduate student mentorship in cutting-edge physics domains.

His academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Physics from Bethel University (2006)
• Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado-Boulder (2012)

Research initiatives focus on quantum-enabled technologies through laser cooling of atoms, ultrafast laser applications, and quantum engineering of atomic sensors and clocks. This work bridges fundamental atomic physics with practical instrumentation development for precision measurement systems, particularly portable atomic timekeeping devices and laser-based time transfer methodologies.

Recognition for scientific contributions includes:

• AFRL team award
• AFRL individual award
• Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Dr. Lemke integrates undergraduate researchers into all laboratory activities, providing hands-on experience in experimental quantum optics. His prior Air Force Research Laboratory work yielded provisional patents for portable atomic clock designs. The AMO laboratory functions as Bethel's hub for quantum measurement science, maintaining active collaboration with national research facilities like Argonne National Laboratory while advancing educational opportunities in experimental physics.