At the forefront of advancing Quantum Sciences and Technology, our University plays a pivotal role in coordinating numerous key research projects, spanning the spectrum from national to international endeavours. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our participation – often in leading roles – in diverse projects, each aimed at pushing the boundaries of quantum research and technology.
Moreover, our active involvement extends globally, as we proudly contribute to a diverse array of initiatives worldwide. This collaborative engagement enables us to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving landscape in Quantum Sciences and Technology, fostering knowledge exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
AtomQT – Quantum Technologies with Ultra-Cold Atoms (2016-2020)
AtomQT is dedicated to propelling Europe to the forefront of the Second Quantum Revolution. The mission of AtomQT is to establish an extensive network of expert groups specializing in cold-atom quantum physics. This network will serve as a catalyst, accelerating the swift development and commercialization of quantum technology grounded in ultra-cold atoms and Bose-Einstein condensates. The overarching vision is to position Europe as a leader in both fundamental research and the creation of practical, commercial products leveraging the unique quantum mechanical properties of cold atomic ensembles. This strategic focus is poised to result in groundbreaking advancements across various domains, including…
CoQuS – Buildup of Complexity in Quantum Simulators from the Bottom Up (PRIN 2022)
Thermodynamics is a highly successful framework to describe many-particle equilibrium systems through a small number of collective variables. Yet, in quantum systems, it is still unclear how thermodynamic behaviour emerges microscopically from far-from-equilibrium initial conditions, as the evolution of closed quantum systems is unitary. While it has been realised that the distribution of correlations among many constituents is a key driving mechanism of equilibration, microscopically tracking the dynamical build-up of this process is a formidable challenge: At long times, close to equilibrium, hydrodynamics allow for an efficient description in terms of few collective degrees of freedom, but intermediate time scales…
FastOrbit – Exploring Quantum Coherence with Fast Nuclear Qubits and Orbital Manipulation in Ytterbium Atom Arrays (MUR FARE 2022 – 2027)
The past decades have witnessed the development of a vivid scientific community around the topics of quantum technologies. One essential direction of research concerns the quest for robust quantum systems, which can preserve and optimally harness quantum coherence to perform operations unthinkable through the methods of classical physics. In particular, these systems will form the basis for new quantum sensors, quantum simulators and future quantum computers, expected to speed up certain computational tasks beyond what is achievable with even the most powerful classical hardware. However, today most of the relevant practical applications of quantum technologies are forestalled by the decoherence…
MAWI – Matter-Wave Interferometers (2022-2026)
MAWI is a European Doctoral Network under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action, currently in the phase of recruiting PhD students interested in the topics of ultra-cold atoms, matter waves, quantum sensing, and atomtronics. The objective of the MAWI project is to train young researchers in the emerging fields of matter-wave interferometry and quantum sensors based on interferometric schemes. The significant advancements in manipulating matter-waves at ultracold temperatures make it highly plausible that a new generation of interferometers will be implemented with ultracold atoms in the coming years. These interferometers are expected to exhibit sensitivities and performances that not only hold great…
NQSTI – National Science and Technology Institute (PNRR, 2023-2026)
This initiative aims to establish the National Quantum Science and Technology Institute (NQSTI), a consortium that (i) will unite Italian entities engaged in competitive and innovative research in quantum science and technology (QST), and (ii) will foster future industrial innovation by serving as a platform for the transfer of novel ideas and opportunities to companies. To ensure a lasting positive impact on Italian economic growth and development, the entire innovation chain has been considered. This ranges from strengthening and coordinating low-TRL research to translating it into prototypes, promoting interaction with industrial needs through robust outreach and continued-education programs. Notably, the…
OrbiDynaMIQs – Two-Orbital Quantum Many-Body Systems: from Kondo Dynamics to Mediated Interactions (ERC Starting Grant 2021 – 2026)
The transport properties of many strongly correlated materials are governed by interactions between localised spins and mobile fermions. Even a single localised spin impurity can have a profound impact on the motion of numerous fermions in its proximity, giving rise to a notable phenomenon in quantum many-body physics known as the Kondo effect. In the presence of a finite density of localised spins, the Kondo effect interacts with fermion-mediated long-range spin interactions. The OrbiDynaMIQs project, funded by the EU, aims to investigate the fundamental dynamical and spatial properties of the Kondo effect. It will develop an innovative, high-speed quantum simulator…
QTSpace – Quantum Technologies in Space (2017-2020)
The 20th century bequeathed a scientific and technological legacy marked by milestones like quantum mechanics and groundbreaking space missions. Both pursuits have paved new paths for expanding our understanding of nature, standing as true benchmarks of modern science. Quantum theory and space science constitute foundational elements of a robust research framework, propelling the exploration of the frontiers of modern physics through experimental tests conducted in space, offering unique working conditions. Space-based generation of entangled photons holds the potential to establish global quantum communication networks, conduct long-distance tests of quantum theory, and investigate the intricate interplay between relativity and quantum entanglement.…
Quantum FVG (2020-2023)
Quantum FVG envisions the creation of an inherently secure data transmission infrastructure on optical fiber based on quantum communication for the digital innovation of businesses and the regional Public Administration. The network links the three university entities (UniTS, UniUD, and Sissa) and involves the participation of additional regional research entities, particularly CNR. Quantum technologies applied to long-distance communication are the subject of significant investments in Europe and around the world. In Europe, the Quantum Technology Flagship, the EuroQCI, the European organization GEANT, involving collaboration with 38 national research networks, and the Italian-Quantum Backbone project of CNR, along with the QUAPITAL…
QuCoM – Quantum Control of Gravity with Levitated Mechanics (2022-2025)
The primary goal of QuCoM is to demonstrate the proof of concept (TRL 1) for a levitated acceleration sensor capable of detecting gravity in the quantum-controlled regime, especially for small masses. To achieve this objective, we aim to explore the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity within a parameter range conducive to cost-effective tabletop experiments. Our approach involves suspending sub-millimetre particles in optical and magnetic traps, using them to detect gravitational forces in an unprecedented mass regime. Additionally, we will investigate quantum superpositions in which these masses exhibit delocalisation. The project will address prominent theoretical proposals that combine quantum physics…
QuFree (2023-2026)
The goal of the QuFree project is to establish a free-space communication link, meaning communication through the air, for the secure exchange of keys generated with quantum technology. Air serves as the medium for transmitting quantum communication complementary to optical fiber. Therefore, QuFree complements the Quantum FVG project, already funded by RAFVG and currently underway. The Quantum FVG project involves creating two optical fiber links (UniTS-SISSA and UniTS-UniUD) for the exchange of cryptographic keys generated with quantum technology. Quantum communication in fiber performs exceptionally well over distances up to several hundred kilometers, making it particularly suitable for metropolitan and regional…
QUID – Quantum Italy Deployment (2024-2026)
QUID (Quantum Italy Deployment) is set to initiate the deployment of the Quantum Communication Infrastructure (QCI) in Italy. QUID’s primary focus is on deploying systems and networks nationwide to test quantum communication technologies, with a specific emphasis on the quantum distribution of cryptographic keys and integration with existing communication systems. Simultaneously, QUID aims to encourage the adoption of these systems and networks through various use cases. The QUID project is centered around deploying multiple nodes in Metropolitan Area Networks utilizing Discrete Variable Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) connected by a fiber backbone. Throughout the project, various nodes will test QKD systems,…
TEQ – Testing the Large-Scale Limits of Quantum Mechanics (2018-2022)
Microscopic systems can assume quantum configurations devoid of classical counterparts. However, as we transition toward the macroscopic domain, the potential for such non-classical behavior diminishes, leaving us with no evidence of quantum phenomena at larger scales. Why does this happen, and how does quantumness dissipate as we move beyond the microscopic realm? These questions, still largely unanswered, present intriguing and formidable challenges in modern physics research, aligning with the overarching goal of the TEQ project. TEQ seeks to explore the macroscopic limits of quantum mechanics through an innovative research program that goes beyond existing approaches reliant on matter-wave interferometry. The…