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Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics

Through the invention of the frequency comb, for which Prof. Theodor W. Hänsch was awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics, the Laser Spectroscopy Division improved the accuracy of spectral line measurements of atomic hydrogen by orders of magnitude. Presently, they extend their studies to muonic atoms and even to antimatter. These measurements reveal information about universal constants like the fine-structure constant or the charge radius of the proton. At present, the frequency comb is used in a number of applications, for instance in the calibration of spectrographs at large, ground based telescopes, or in the “dual comb” spectroscopy of complex molecules.

T. Haensch

Research at the Attosecond Physics Division focusses on the generation of attosecond light pulses with increasingly short wavelengths, i.e. ever higher photon energies. This allows the real-time observation of electronic motions within atoms, molecules, or on solid surfaces. As a key tool, high-intensity femtosecond light pulses exert a strong force on electrons that is variable at ultrahigh speed. This research lays the groundwork for switching electronic circuits at light frequencies. Accelerating electrons to relativistic energies will pave the way towards compact, ultrabrilliant particle and X-ray sources, to be employed for instance in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

F. Krausz

Investigating the quantum world and making quantum effects available for future applications in particular in the processing of information are main focal points of the Quantum Dynamics Division. Hybrid quantum systems show particular promise, where single photons transfer quantum information onto individual atoms stored in optical cavities of highest finesse. Subject to certain conditions, atom and photon can form a logical quantum gate, which is the key element in a quantum computer. Several such quantum nodes can be connected to form an extended quantum network. Another principal focus is the development of novel cooling techniques allowing gases of polar molecules to be stored at extremely low temperatures.

G. Rempe

Understanding the interactions in quantum many-body systems and engineering and exploiting such quantum systems for quantum information purposes, is an important objective of the Quantum Many-Body Systems Division. To this aim, ultracold quantum gases of fermions or bosons are held in optical and magnetic traps and are, for example, structured in a crystal lattice of light. In such arrays, quantum gases can serve as versatile model systems for condensed matter physics, but they also exhibit entirely novel and exotic properties. Furthermore, subject to certain conditions, such systems might be used to process quantum information.

I. Bloch

The Theory Division investigates new possibilities of controlling the world of atoms, molecules and photons. In this context, they develop new algorithms which exploit the quantum mechanical behavior of particles, such as superposition or entanglement, in order to transmit information in more efficient and secure ways. For example, the concept of a quantum computer based on trapped ions and atoms, or of quantum repeaters utilizing single photons, are proposals born in the Theory Division. The properties of many-body quantum systems are another focus. Here, the Theory Division studies the transition of matter into the quantum phase, in particular, to learn more about the border between the classical and the quantum world.

I. Cirac



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Welcome to the World of Quantum Optics


Research at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics concentrates on the interaction of light and matter under extreme conditions. One focus is the high-precision spectroscopy of hydrogen. In the course of these measurements Prof. Theodor W. Hänsch developed the frequency comb technique for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2005. Other experiments aim at capturing single atoms and photons and letting them interact in a controlled way, thus paving the way towards future quantum computers. Theorists on the other hand are working on strategies to communicate quantum information in a most efficient way. They develop algorithms that allow the safe encryption of secret information. MPQ scientists also investigate the bizarre properties quantum-mechanical many-body systems can take on at extremely low temperatures (about one millionth Kelvin above zero). Finally light flashes with the incredibly short duration of several attoseconds (1 as is a billionth of a billionth of a second) are generated which make it possible, for example, to observe quantum-mechanical processes in atoms such as the 'tunnelling' of electrons or atomic transitions in real time.

 
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