Research Groups
The research groups working at the Institute are briefly presented below.
Stored Ions Research Area
In the field of stored ions, there are three research groups at our institute that concentrate their work on different focal points and issues:
Quantum Optics & Spectroscopy
The Quantum Optics and Spectroscopy research group is headed by Prof Rainer Blatt and works closely with a team of senior scientists who lead individual projects. Our laboratories are located at the Department of Experimental Physics of the University of Innsbruck and at the Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, both in Innsbruck, Austria, in the heart of the Alps.
Our experiments centre on trapped ions, which we manipulate with laser light, allowing us to precisely control both the states of individual particles and the collective states.
To the group website: https://www.quantumoptics.at/en/
contact
Head of research group
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Rainer Blatt
Tel: +43 512 507 52450
E-Mail: Rainer.Blatt@uibk.ac.at
Tel: +43 512 507 52451
Distributed Quantum Systems
In our group we are working on the development and demonstration of methods to create entanglement between remote quantum systems and use this capability to realise new scientific and technological applications.
Our remote quantum systems are equivalent to registers of spins in which entanglement can be stored and processed, connected to each other using photons. We aim to develop such quantum networks over distances of a few metres to study scalable many-body quantum systems up to thousands of kilometres for global quantum communication and sensor networks. In our lab, there are trapped atomic ions, optical cavities to connect ions to photons, and nonlinear optics to convert the wavelength of photons into optimal values for long-distance communication.
Our two main research questions are: 1. how can we distribute, store and amplify entanglement between distant locations? 2. what are the most promising applications of distributed entanglement and how can we realise them in the near future?
To the group website: Photon-conversion-for-trapped-ion-quantum-networks
contact
Head of research group
Assoz. Prof. Dr. Benjamin Peter Lanyon
Tel: +43 512 507 52900
E-Mail: Ben.Lanyon@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Claudia Mevenkamp
Tel: +43 512 507 52511
E-Mail: Claudia.Mevenkamp@uibk.ac.at
Quantum Engineering
The research group led by Thomas Monz focuses on scalable quantum information and quantum computing, from metrology and quantum error correction to the realisation of algorithms in ever larger quantum systems.
We develop and implement new methods to better understand and overcome quantum systems and their limitations. Building on a metrological background, tiny effects are characterised and evaluated with respect to potential limits, while we increase the coherent control of quantum systems. Besides passive methods to suppress unwanted interactions, the field of quantum error correction allows us to push the limits of coherent quantum control. These activities are complemented by investigations into the fabrication, integration and operation of scalable quantum devices. These developments build on a fundamental understanding of the underlying physics to advance to large coherently controlled quantum systems.
Details of this research group: https://quantumoptics.at/
contact
Head of research group
Ass.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Thomas Monz
Tel: +43 512 507 52452
E-mail: Thomas.Monz@uibk.ac.at
Patricia Moser
Tel: +43 512 507 52451
E-Mail: Pat.Moser@uibk.ac.at
Renate Rupprechter
Tel: +43 512 507 52513
E-Mail: Renate.Rupprechter@uibk.ac.at
Quantum Interfaces
In Tracy Northup 's research group, we explore quantum interfaces between light and matter, focussing on trapped ions and cavity-based interfaces for quantum networks and quantum optomechanics.
In future quantum networks, photons will transport information over long distances, while trapped ions are among the strongest candidates for local quantum computers. Trapping ions in optical resonators will allow us to map quantum information coherently between ions and photons and thus utilise the advantages of both systems. Our research on quantum optomechanics - where we trap and cool suspended nanoparticles in ion traps - aims to bring the motion of mesoscopic objects into the quantum realm.
To the group website: https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/exphys/research/quantum-interfaces/
contact
Head of research group
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Tracy Eleanor Northup
Tel: +43 512 507 52463
E-mail: Tracy.Northup@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Claudia Mevenkamp
Tel: +43 512 507 52511
E-Mail: Claudia.Mevenkamp@uibk.ac.at
Quantum Information with more than Qubits
The research group led by Martin Ringbauer focusses on quantum information processing and quantum computers based on high-dimensional quantum systems.
We are working on new approaches for the realisation and application of quantum computers based on single stored ions. One of our Research Areas is non-binary information processing. Computers have been working successfully with 0 and 1 for decades, and this binary approach has also been retained in the field of quantum computers. However, for quantum computers and many of their applications, it is much more natural to work with more than 0 and 1. Our goal with such an approach is to enable significantly more efficient computation on quantum computers in order to optimally utilise this resource. Other research questions revolve around quantum error correction, fundamental questions in quantum information, and quantum simulation of physical processes such as those in particle physics
To the group website: https://quantumoptics.at/
contact
Head of research group
Ass.-Prof. Martin Ringbauer
Tel: +43 512 507 52458
E-Mail: Martin.Ringbauer@uibk.ac.at
Patricia Moser
Tel: +43 512 507 52451
E-Mail: Pat.Moser@uibk.ac.at
Renate Rupprechter
Tel: +43 512 507 52513
E-Mail: Renate.Rupprechter@uibk.ac.at
Quantum Simulation & Quantum Measurements
Christian Roos' research focuses on the generation, characterisation and use of entanglement as a resource for quantum simulation and quantum metrology experiments. The main tools are trapped and laser-cooled ions as a well-controlled quantum system with long coherence times and the tailored laser pulses that induce entangling interactions between the internal states of the trapped ions. One Research Area is to transform a system of a few dozen trapped ions into an interacting quantum many-body system to simulate quantum mangnetism. In this approach, each ion encodes a spin-1/2 particle that interacts with other particles via long-range interactions. Controlling the quantum system at the level of individual particles enables quantum measurements that provide insights into the quantum dynamics of this generated quantum system. In a further branch of research, the use of entanglement for the development of novel measurement methods is being investigated.
To the group website: https://www.quantumoptics.at/en/
contact
Head of research group
Assoz. Prof. Dr. Christian Roos
Tel: +43 512 507 47045
E-mail: Christian.Roos@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Claudia Mevenkamp
Tel: +43 512 507 52511
E-Mail: Claudia.Mevenkamp@uibk.ac.at
Quantum Technologies with Single Molecular Ions
In the research group "Quantum Technologies with Single Molecular Ions" we want to learn more about the quantum properties of single polyatomic molecules and exploit them for quantum technologies.
To the group website: https://www.quantum-molecules.eu/
contact
Head of research group
Ass.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Philipp Schindler
Tel: +43 512 507 52479
E-Mail: Philipp.Schindler@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Claudia Mevenkamp
Tel: +43 512 507 52511
E-Mail: Claudia.Mevenkamp@uibk.ac.at
Patricia Moser
Tel: +43 512 507 52451
E-Mail: Pat.Moser@uibk.ac.at
Renate Rupprechter
Tel: +43 512 507 52513
E-Mail: Renate.Rupprechter@uibk.ac.at
Ultracold Quantum Matter Research Area
In the field of quantum gases, there are four research groups at our institute that concentrate their work on different focal points and issues:
Ultracold Quantum Matter Theory
The theoretical research group led by Russell Bisset focuses on the exotic world of ultracold quantum matter. When cooled to nanokelvin temperatures, dilute gases become quantum systems that offer exceptionally clean and controllable environments. These quantum gases not only serve as powerful platforms for exploring fundamental physics, but also enable the creation of novel states of matter with exotic properties. Moreover, they play a key role in the development of emerging quantum technologies.
Our research spans a broad range of topics in ultracold quantum matter, including quantum ferrofluids with dipole-dipole interactions, binary condensates, quantum vortices, dilute self-bound droplets, and supersolids — paradoxical materials that exhibit both superfluid and solid-like properties.
Details about this research group: https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/exphys/research/ultracold-theory/
contact
Head of research group
Ass.-Prof. Dr. Russell Nathan Bisset
Tel: +43 512 507 52514
E-Mail: Russell.Bisset@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Verena Tanzer
Tel: +43 512 507 52415
E-Mail: Verena.Tanzer@uibk.ac.at
Dipolar Quantum Gases
Our group studies dipolar quantum gases of erbium (Er) and dysprosium (Dy) atoms. These extraordinarily magnetic species are a powerful new resource for quantum simulations with strong connectivity, where each atom is coupled to the other over large distances, and for the study of exotic phases of matter that have no classical counterpart.
We have three labs: the ERBIUM LAB, where Er was first condensed to Bose, the Er-Dy LAB, where dipolar quantum mixtures are studied under a quantum gas microscope, and the T-REQs LAB, where we trap Er atoms in arrays of optical tweezers for Rydberg physics. We have recently established a theory group dedicated to the study and prediction of dipolar phenomena in dipolar quantum gases and mixtures.
The group, led by Francesca Ferlaino, is jointly located at the Department of Experimental Physics (IExP) of the University of Innsbruck and the Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and is part of the Innsbruck Centre for Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases.
To the group website: http://www.erbium.at/FF/
contact
Head of research group
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Francesca Ferlaino
Tel: +43 512 507 52440
E-mail: Francesca.Ferlaino@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Silvia Bonazza
Tel: +43 512 507 52438
E-Mail: Silvia.Bonazza@uibk.ac.at
Ultracold Quantum Matter
We are an experimental research group working with atomic and molecular gases cooled to temperatures in the nanokelvin range. Our general scientific goal is to create novel states of quantum matter and to study their fascinating (and sometimes very bizarre) properties
To the group website: http://ultracold.at/grimm/
contact
Head of research group
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Rudolf Grimm
Tel: +43 512 507 52410
E-mail: Rudolf.Grimm@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Verena Tanzer
Tel: +43 512 507 52415
E-Mail: Verena.Tanzer@uibk.ac.at
Strongly Correlated Quantum Matter
In our research we investigate various aspects of strongly correlated quantum matter using ultracold atoms and molecules. Our group is led by Prof. H.-C. Nägerl and we are part of the Centre for Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases in Innsbruck
To the group website: https://quantummatter.at/
contact
Head of research group
Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Phys. Dr. Hanns-Christoph Nägerl
Tel: +43 512 507 52420
E-mail: Christoph.Naegerl@uibk.ac.at
Tel: +43 512 507 52414
Specific Research Areas
Bernien Lab
The Bernien Lab studies quantum physics by assembling large quantum systems from individual atoms in optical tweezers. This platform is ideal both for research into fundamental questions and for the realisation of quantum technologies such as quantum computers and quantum networks. In quantum information processing, the laboratory is doing pioneering work with Rydberg arrays made of two different types of atoms, which offer unique possibilities for quantum computers and simulators. In the field of quantum networks, they are realising photonic interfaces for atoms based on cavity arrays on a chip.
To the group website: https://bernienlab.com/
contact
Head of research group
Univ.-Prof. Hannes Bernien, PhD
Tel: +43 512 507 52980
E-Mail: Hannes.Bernien@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Victoria Aleshina
Tel: +43 512 507 52981
E-Mail: Victoria.Aleshina@uibk.ac.at
Superconducting Quantum Circuits
The research group led by G. Kirchmair' s research group focuses on so-called "Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics Systems" made up of superconducting microwave resonators and superconducting qubits, which are manipulated and measured using microwave signals. The qubits are generated using nano-structuring processes at the Quantum Nano Centre Tyrol at the University of Innsbruck, which allows the properties of these qubits to be designed almost arbitrarily and adapted to the desired parameters. In order for these circuits to exhibit quantum properties, they must be cooled to a temperature of 20 millikelvin in a cryostat. These systems allow the realisation of experiments in the fields of quantum information, quantum simulation and quantum optics. For example, we can couple several qubits to a microwave conductor and investigate the emergence of so-called dark states - states that decouple from the waveguide - which are suitable for sending quantum information from one quantum processor to another. In another experiment, we magnetically couple a mechanical oscillator to a microwave resonant circuit to couple the oscillator to its quantum mechanical ground state.
To the group website: https://kirchmair.iqoqi.at/en/
contact
Head of research group
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gerhard Kirchmair
Tel: +43 512 507 47051
E-mail: Gerhard.Kirchmair@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Claudia Mevenkamp
Tel: +43 512 507 52511
E-Mail: Claudia.Mevenkamp@uibk.ac.at
Didactics of Physics
Thomas Schubatzky 's research group investigates learning processes in physics at school and university with the aim of improving them. With the help of empirical teaching-learning research methods, we formulate evidence-based statements in the field of basic and developmental didactic research.
The work of the Didactics of Physics research group can be divided into three main areas: We deal with learning processes for climate physics and the energy transition. We also focus on teacher training research. On a methodological level, we investigate the potential of Bayesian statistics for science education research.
Details about this research group: https://www.uibk.ac.at/de/ifd/mse/
contact
Head of research group
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Thomas Schubatzky, PhD
Tel: +43 512 507 43101
E-Mail: Thomas.Schubatzky@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Thomas Schnabl
Tel: +43 512 507 43002
E-Mail: Thomas.Schnabl@uibk.ac.at
Photonics
Gregor Weihs ' research group utilises quantum effects of light for quantum communication, quantum information processing, quantum sensor technology and for research into fundamental questions of quantum physics.
An important focus is the research and development of novel and improved sources of quantum states of light, in particular sources of single photons and entangled photon pairs. These sources are based on non-linear optics on the one hand and on individual semiconductor quantum dots on the other.
In recent years, tests of quantum entanglement and quantum distance measurement have been realised with these sources. Multi-particle entanglement and interference were investigated by combining several light sources and by demultiplexing a stream of individual photons, and new laws were found theoretically and confirmed experimentally. The research group was also able to verify fundamental axioms of quantum physics using single photons.
Details about this research group: https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/exphys/research/photonik/
contact
Head of research group
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Gregor Weihs
Tel: +43 512 507 52550
E-Mail: Gregor.Weihs@uibk.ac.at
Secretariat
Anna Grigoryeva
Tel: +43 512 507 52552
E-Mail: Anna.Grigoryeva@uibk.ac.at