Research topics

Since 2020, the aim of the institute has been to develop precision instruments for space applications based on quantum technologies and to bring them to prototype maturity in close cooperation with industry. It thus builds a bridge between basic research and industry.

Quantum reinforcement learning

Machines, so-called agents, can learn to solve certain problems by performing actions for which they have already received rewards in the past. This is the principle of reinforcement learning.

Quantum Simulations for Energy Storages

In the QuEST project, together with the DLR Institute of Technical Thermodynamics and the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials, we are investigating the use of quantum computers to research energy storage and converters using innovative simulation techniques

Diffraction of atomic matter waves through 2D membranes

Diffraction phenomena are of fundamental importance for the characterization and analysis of materials in industrial and scientific applications. Prominent examples include X-ray crystallography as well as the diffraction of neutrons and electrons. The goal of the current project is to open a new field of research by realizing the first diffraction experiments of atomic matter waves through crystalline 2D membranes like graphene. Such experiments have been successfully conducted only with subatomic particles so far.

Few- and many-body physics with Quantum Waves

The wave nature of quantum matter, such as atoms, electrons, and photons, plays a crucial role in the design of quantum sensors and new light sources. The QWaves project aims at obtaining a deeper understanding of the underlying processes in these systems and thus establishes the foundations for the development of new quantum technologies. To realize future prototypes, we focus on the following core systems: few- and many-particle systems, as well as charged matter waves

At the interface of Quantum Mechanics and Gravitation

Phenomena where both quantum mechanics and gravitation play an important role are investigated within the following main lines of research: a new kind of atom interferometers for dark-matter detection, gravitational antennas and Earth observation, atomic lensing with Bose-Einstein condensates and ultracold mixtures, and relativistic quantum information.

Quantum radar and the generation of quantum microwaves

Light or microwaves with entanglement properties can be used to increase sensitivity in the observation of an object. We are exploring in collaboration with the DLR Institute of High Frequency Technology and Radar Systems the feasibility of using these concepts in a quantum radar.