2015 - International Year of Light and light-based Technologies
In proclaiming an International Year focusing on the topic of light science and its applications, the United Nations has recognized the importance of raising global awareness about how light-based technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health. Light plays a vital role in our daily lives and is an imperative cross-cutting discipline of science in the 21st century. It has revolutionized medicine, opened up international communication via the Internet, and continues to be central to linking cultural, economic and political aspects of the global society. ... more
Quantum Physics in Innsbruck
Quantum physics is concerned with fundamental questions of physics, such as the existence of superposition states or the entanglement of quantum states and the implications of their application. In the period since Max Planck's discoveries, theoretical and experimental research has evolved at an amazing pace and scientists today are capable of controlling quantum systems of photons, of single ions and atoms or small numbers of them with extraordinary precision. The trend of quantum physics towards information technology promises exciting future applications such as the development of quantum computing, quantum cryptography or quantum measuring techniques.
Quantum optics is the special area of physics concerned with quantum-physical phenomena of individual light particles (photons) and their interaction with matter, particularly with individual atoms. Systems of a few atoms and photons have been studied intensively in quantum physical basic research experiments for a few decades. Today it is possible to control and manipulate such systems very well in experiments, which makes them particularly well suited to deepening our understanding of quantum physics.
The researchers at the University of Innsbruck carry out broad theoretical and experimental basic research in the fields of quantum optics and quantum information. Close cooperation with leading figures from all over the world within the discipline, numerous publications in top scientific journals and many international awards make Innsbruck a key player in the ground-breaking field of quantum physics.