Quantum Information & Computation
Hans Briegel’s research group studies models for quantum information processing and fundamental aspects of quantum information theory. One focus of the researchers is the theory of measurement-based quantum computation, which has resulted in a new and more thorough understanding of many-body entanglement as resource and applications in quantum communication, quantum error correction and quantum algorithms. The group also works on quantum phenomena in bio-molecular systems and studies the role of quantum mechanics for autonomous and adaptive systems. Some of the work is interdisciplinary and addresses questions in the fields of artificial intelligence and the philosophy of action.
Hans Briegel is one of the Founding Directors of the IQOQI and served as a Research Director from 2003 to 2014. In 2014 he and his research group moved to the University of Innsbruck. Since 2017 he has also been a long-term Visiting Professor at the Department of Philosophy of the University of Konstanz.
Quantum Nanophysics, Optics and Information
The research group led by Oriol Romero-Isart studies topics in the fields of theoretical quantum optics and quantum nanophysics in the context of quantum science and technology. One of the main research interests is the observation of quantum phenomena with levitated micrometer-sized particles. Such systems push the boundary of quantum physics into uncharted territory, where the very validity of quantum physics and its interplay with gravity could be put to the test. Achieving this goal requires a fundamental understanding of the internal physics of levitated nanoparticles as well as their interaction with electromagnetic fields. The group is also interested in nano-optics, including topics such as the tailoring of spatio-temporal features of the electromagnetic field, light-matter interaction at the nanoscale, and out-of-equilibrium quantum electrodynamics. The group proposes cutting-edge experiments and develops the underlying theory while closely collaborating with experimental groups.