Research

Research activities within our community are intricately woven into various departments: Physics; Mathematics, Informatics & Geosciences; and Engineering & Architecture. They collectively house a diverse array of investigations at the forefront of scientific exploration.

Our researchers engage in the study of quantum information, the mathematical foundations that underpin quantum phenomena, all the way down to elementary particle physics, quantum field theory and string theory. We delve into quantum machine learning and artificial intelligence, blending mathematical rigor with the cutting-edge applications of quantum technologies. We investigate quantum many-body physics with ultracold atoms, quantum materials simulation, growth, and characterization, as well as the growth and characterization of nanoparticles, nanoclusters, and quantum dots; we explore the frontiers of electronics. Finally, we work on photonics for quantum optical communications and atom interferometry for quantum sensing.

This multidisciplinary approach allows us to tackle quantum challenges from various angles, fostering collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas. It exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge across a spectrum of fields, contributing to the advancement of quantum science and technology on multiple fronts.

Atoms & Molecules

Researchers in the field of AMO physics dedicate their efforts to developing novel models, techniques and tools that enable the precise study and control of atoms and molecules. Their research contributes to advancing our understanding of atomic and molecular systems and underpins applications in quantum optics, as well as the development of novel devices such as quantum simulators and quantum computers.

Research groups of: D. Fausti, M. Marinelli, A. Morgante, F. Scazza, A. Trombettoni

Communication & Photonics

Researchers harness the quantum properties of light to realize secure telecommunications systems through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Several research projects aim at building a quantum communication infrastructure in the Region, with both a terrestrial segment, as well as a space segment.

Research groups of: A. Bassi, A. Gregorio, M. Marinelli

Computing & Simulation

Researchers at UNITS develop new strategies for the analysis and mitigation of noises in quantum computers, for quantum machine learning and the development of advanced techniques in data analysis. Work on quantum simulations focuses on the implementation of a programmable fermionic quantum simulator based on ytterbium atoms and on the theoretical modelisation of last-generation quantum simulators.

Research groups of: F. Anselmi, A. Bassi, F. Becca, F. Benatti, S. Carrato, A. Carini, A. D’Onofrio, M. Marinelli, F. Scazza, A. Trombettoni

Fundamentals

Research spans the mathematical and physical foundations of Quantum Mechanics, quantum information theory with emphasis of open quantum systems theory and the role of entanglement, quantum field theory and string theory, elementary particle physics.

Research groups of: A. Bassi, F. Benatti, M. Carlesso, M. Cirafici, L. Di Pietro, E. Gabrielli, R. Valandro

Materials & Nanoscience

Condensed matter scientists and experts in nanostructures explore the properties of quantum matter and materials to understand and control macroscopic quantum phenomena. They fabricate new devices to shed light on quantum properties and explore novel ways to harness them in quantum hardware. They solve models of interacting electrons with state-of-the-art computational approaches to gain insight into strong correlation and topological phenomena.

Research groups of: A. Baraldi, F. Becca, D. Fausti, V. Lughi, A. Morgante

Metrology & Sensing

Activity on quantum sensing is focused on the characterisation of quantum sensors and the optimisation of their performance using quantum entanglement. This research has application on quantum interferometers and gravimeters on the modelisation and implementation of quantum sensors for the precise measurement of accelerations, rotations and magnetic fields, with important application to gravitation and geophysical effects.

Research groups of: C. Braitenberg, U. Marzolino, A. Trombettoni