Our research scope is broad. We are interested in all quantum phenomena that can be put to use to obtain novel or enhanced functionality for computation, simulations, communication and measurement.
Here are some themes and techniques that we currently work on:
Superconducting quantum devices. We explore hybrid semiconducting-superconducting systems composed of quantum dots, superconducting islands and similar elements. Such structures are characterized by long-lived quantum states within the superconducting gap and may be used as qubits. We develop novel numerical and analytical approaches to simulate and understand such systems. Our main techniques are quantum impurity solvers based on the numerical renormalization group (NRG) and density-matrix renormalization group (DMR).
Quantum Computers and Simulators. We use state-of-the-art quantum computational and simulation devices such as D-Wave’s quantum annealers, Pasqal’s quantum simulators and IBM’s quantum computers, in order to perform programmable quantum simulation of non-equilibrium quantum phenomena, such as false vacuum decay, as well as equilibrium phase diagrams. We also develop hybrid quantum-classical solvers in order to solve optimization problems in the NP computational complexity class, and deploy machine learning techniques designed to boost the performance of existing quantum computational hardware.
Ultracold atoms. We study the behavior of cesium Bose-Einstein condensate confined in a one-dimensional channel. Using Feshbach resonances we tune the interaction to form a bright-matter-wave solitons and soliton trains. Modulation of the interaction leads to the formation of Faraday waves and matter-wave jets that are emitted from the Bose-Einstein condensate. We study the formation of higher-order jets, jet number correlation and entanglement. Furthermore, we are developing an optical tweezer to manipulate, split, guide and recombine ultracold atoms. One of the main goals is to prepare arrays of atomic ensembles that will be used for quantum simulation with Rydberg atoms.
Quantum memory. We are developing a quantum memory based on electromagnetically induced transparency in a cloud of cesium atoms. We have achieved a few microseconds long storage time of classical light pulses with atomic vapor and almost a microsecond of storage time with ultracool cesium atoms. We are working towards longer storage times and higher storage efficiency in both mediums. Furthermore, we are studying the effect of the magnetic field on storage and using multiple read or write pulses.
Magnetometry. Quantum technologies based on cold atoms have an enormous potential for innovation both on a fundamental level and in real-world applications such as quantum-based sensors for gravity, acceleration, rotation and magnetic fields. We are developing a high-resolution cold-atom magnetometer with a potential to be used in various fields, including a signal detection in NMR and MRI, as well as NQR, control of magnetic fields in precise experiments, such as in atomic physics or direct measurement of magnetic fields from the heart and brain.