Research in our group focuses on quantum optics and technology. Quantum optics studies various phenomena in light-matter interaction, where the quantum properties of the light and matter play an important role. Quantum technology is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field, encompassing several fields of physics, computer science and technology. It aims to realize practical devices for quantum simulations, computing, communication and metrology. Our research activities span a broad reange of topics that are outlined below.
Research Topics
Quantum optics
Owing to their unprecedented controllability, quantum optical systems have become a perfect playground for the verification and further development of new ideas for quantum technology applications. In our group, we explore and study fundamental properties of various quantum optical systems, including photons and atoms, and their applications to quantum technology.
Quantum information processing and communication
The field of quantum information is currently attracting enormous interest in view of its fundamental nature and its potentially revolutionary applications to computation and secure communication. Essentially, the implementation aspects of quantum information processing have by now become an integral part of modern physics and in particular quantum optics. Recently, we have been involved in studies of (i) Faithful state transfer in quantum networks; (ii) Quantum cryptography beyond key distribution; (iii) Deterministic all-optical quantum computation and communication; and (iv) Quantum information processing with hybrid solid-state and quantum-optical systems.
Interaction of strong electromagnetic fields with atoms and molecules
The activity employs theoretical and computational methods, including perturbative and non-perturbative approaches, capable of treating real atoms under optical laser pulses of arbitrarily high intensity, ultrashort duration and realistic spatio-temporal shape. Presently we study interaction of atoms with intense, coherent short wavelength radiation (from XUV to hard X-rays) available through the new generation of FEL-based sources. This work aims at interpretation of experimental results obtained from the source FLASH at DESY, in Hamburg, with continuing involvement in ongoing or planned experiments.
Ultracold quantum gases
The activities focus on various aspects of Bose-Einstein condensation of dilute atomic ensembles, including the merging of condensates, dynamics of atom lasers, and interaction of condensates with radiation. We also study few- and many-body physics of strongly interacting cold atoms in tight-binding optical lattice potentials.