Hartmut Häffner
We trap ions to investigate various aspects of quantum physics and quantum information. The motion of trapped ions can be accurately controlled in the quantum regime. Together with the ions’ excellent quantum memory capabilities, trapped ions are thus an excellent system to investigate experimental quantum information processing. Furthermore, we couple the motion of trapped ions to bulk materials to learn more about the quantum properties of mesoscopic systems. See our research tab for more information about specific projects.
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Our lab focuses on metrology, tests of fundamental physics, and nanoscale sensing using quantum systems.
We are building some of the most precise clocks in the world out of ultracold strontium atoms trapped in optical lattices. We are investigating ways to make these “optical lattice clocks” even more precise and accurate. We are also developing novel applications of these amazing instruments, including new tests of relativity, space-based gravitational wave detectors, and searches for dark matter and other physics beyond the Standard Model.
We are also researching new sensing techniques using single atom-scale defects trapped inside of diamonds. We are developing new protocols using spatial and temporal correlations between these defects to probe correlated dynamics in strongly interacting condensed matter systems. We are also investigating applications for new and under-explored defects in diamond and 2D materials.
We are a device research group focusing on solid-state systems for advancing quantum computation, communication and sensing. We study a wide range of physical systems including superconducting quantum circuits, color centers, integrated photonics and phononics. Our central goal is to develop the building blocks for scalable quantum technologies that leverage semiconductor manufacturing methods. Our projects present a balance of fundamental and applied research related to solid-state quantum devices. We develop integrated microwave, acoustic, and photonic systems to realize new architectures for future quantum technologies, and use these systems to gain new insights into quantum dynamics and coherence in nanoscale systems.
We are a highly interdisciplinary group with students and postdoctoral fellows from electrical engineering, physics, materials science, and chemistry departments. We are always looking for talented students and postdocs to join our group.