Quantum Optics and Spectroscopy
The research group led by Rainer Blatt investigates quantum processes in a system of few ions held in ion traps. The experiments aim at achieving complete control over all quantum degrees of freedom in order to store and process quantum information in a system of trapped ions. Here, the focus is on quantum simulation and infor-mation. A second related topic is precision spectroscopy and quantum metrology with the goal of constructing a quantum-logic based single-ion optical clock.
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Dipolar Quantum Gases
The research team led by Francesca Ferlaino focuses on the study of dipolar quantum phenomena, using strongly magnetic atomic species. In 2012, the group has created the first Bose-Einstein condensate of erbium (Er) and shortly after the first degenerate Fermi gases. With this system, Ferlaino and co-workers have explored many-body and few-body dipolar effects, such as the long-awaited observation of an interaction-driven deformation of the Fermi surface and the complex spectra of scattering resonances, which are dominated by the anisotropy of the interactions. By combining for the first time two strongly magnetic elements, erbium (Er) and dysprosium (Dy) they open the door to investigations of complex geometry-dependent quantum systems.
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Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases
The research group led by R. GRIMM investigates ultracold particle systems consisting of optically trapped quantum gases at temperatures close to absolute zero. Because of their superb experimental accessibility and controllability, such systems represent unique model systems for studies of complex quantum many-body be-havior. This facilitates the investigation of quantum phenomena that are difficult to access in conventional condensed-matter systems. The focus of the present experimental work lies on fermionic particle systems and on few-body quantum systems with tunable interactions.
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Superconducting quantum circuits
Gerhard Kirchmair’s research group works on superconducting circuits and their application for quantum computation and simulation. Superconducting Josephson junctions are used to realize the quantum mechanical properties of these circuits. By using lithographic processes, similar to those used in microchip production, the researchers are able to change and control quantum properties in such a way that allows them to engineer artificial atoms and couple them to electrical resonators. These so called cavity quantum electrodynamic systems are ideal for studying light-matter interactions. They are also considered to be promising systems to realize a quantum computer. In addition, the research group investigates the coupling of these circuits to other quantum systems such as ions, cold atoms and mechanical resonators. These hybrid systems open up new possibilities to study quantum effects and develop extremely precise measurement systems.
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Many-Body Quantum Optics
The research group led by Hannes Pichler studies quantum optical systems, quantum many-body physics and quantum information. The group aims at laying the theoretical foundations for next generation experiments in quantum science and technology, often in close collaborations with experimental teams. The main research interests are focussed on developing the theoretical tools to understand and describe quantum many-body systems, propose protocols to manipulate and probe them, and develop applications exploiting many-body quantum effects.
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Quantum Optics
Wittgenstein awardee Peter Zoller’s research group studies topics in the fields of theoretical quantum optics and atomic physics as well as quantum information and condensed matter theory. The researchers mainly focus on theoretically describing real physical systems while closely collaborating with the experimental field and connecting the fields mentioned above in an interdisciplinary approach. Their main research activities aim to realize, simulate and investigate novel quantum many-body systems consisting of atoms, ions or molecules or based on hybrid systems of optomechanical and solid state systems. In addition, the researchers are developing and searching for new tools and protocols for applications in the fields of quantum information and communication technology.
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