Collaborative Research: Three leading universities unite for advanced quantum simulation.
Innovative Ion Crystals: Researchers develop synthetic quantum systems with longer lifespans.
Broader Applications: Insights could revolutionize understanding in physics, chemistry, and biology.
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded a Synergy Grant to Professors Igor Lesanovsky, Ferdinand Schmidt-Kaler, and Markus Hennrich for their joint project, Open 2D Quantum Simulator (Open-2QS). The initiative focuses on using electronically excited ion crystals to investigate complex phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.
The project seeks to develop highly controllable quantum systems. These systems utilize ion crystals held in traps, forming two-dimensional structures where ions interact strongly under laser excitation. "Until now, synthetic quantum systems created in the laboratory have been very short-lived. Our goal in the ERC Synergy project is to dramatically extend their life," said Igor Lesanovsky.
"The system is enclosed by the trap, but the ions remain at a distance from each other due to their repulsion. This is precisely how ion crystals form. This kind of system is so stable that it can be studied over many hours," said Ferdinand Schmidt-Kaler.
— Ferdinand Schmidt-Kaler, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Utilizing Rydberg ions, the project examines interactions similar to aligning magnetic needles. These interactions provide deeper insights into magnetic materials and other complex states of matter. The researchers aim to shed light on chemical and biological processes by observing spontaneous light emissions from these systems.
"What is highly interesting about such systems is their emergent behavior. This means that the properties of the overall system exhibit completely new phenomena that would never have been expected from the properties of a single particle alone," said Igor Lesanovsky.
— Igor Lesanovsky, University of Tübingen
The project leverages a collaborative approach, combining theoretical and experimental expertise to address complex questions in quantum physics and beyond.
