QUANTUM – Research
Understanding interacting quantum many body system and engineering and exploiting such quantum systems for quantum information purposes or quantum simulations pose some of the most outstanding challenges in quantum physics.
Our research focusses on realizing and controlling such systems using ultracold atomic or molecular quantum gases. Starting with ultracold gases of degenerate quantum matter of bosons or fermions held in optical and magnetic traps, we e.g. impose crystals of light on top of the atoms in order to trap them in controlled periodic potentials. Such arrays can serve as versatile model systems for condensed matter physics, or as useful quantum information processors and effective setups for precision atomic and molecular physics measurements.
Furthermore, our group investigates the possibility of forming interfaces between the these many-body systems and light in order to generate novel non-classical light sources and quantum memories for light.
Selection of Current Research Projects
Topological Order & Low-D Quantum Gases
We aim at realizing minimal versions of topologically ordered quantum phases using ultracold bosons loaded into optical superlattice potentials. Such phases with topological order cannot be classified by an order parameter and represent a new class of many-body systems without any local order. Only by carrying globals measurements on the system, one can reveal the hidden order in the system.
Ultracold Fermions in Optical Lattices
In this project we study the many-body physics of fermionic atoms in an optical lattice. One important motivation -besides this being an intriguing many-body system by itself- is the close resemblance between this system and correlated electron systems in condensed matter.
Single Site Addressing in Optical Lattices
We spatially resolve and manipulate ultracold atoms in an optical lattice. Addressing of individual lattice sites is achieved through a high resolution optical imaging system, which allows for the detection and manipulation of cold atoms with sub-wavelength resolution.