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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 metrology, cryptography, communications, computation, biology, and geology. AtomQT is committed to driving this progress by offering a pivotal platform for information exchange and research coordination, thereby acting as a catalyst for the burgeoning quantum industry.

A key priority for the AtomQT network is outreach. By educating the general public and providing information to policymakers, decision-makers, and international regulatory bodies, AtomQT aims to significantly facilitate the advancement of the Second Quantum Revolution and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Link: https://atomqt.eu/

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 of quantum systems. To overcome this issue, it is key to learn how to synthesize quantum states and probe their coherence properties, especially in highly entangled, many-particle systems.

In the FastOrbit project, we propose the realization of a new quantum information platform where the dynamics of quantum coherence in many-particle states can be studied and engineered. This will be based on the control of single atoms of ytterbium-171, stored in the stable potentials created by optical lattices and arranged in large reconfigurable arrays. The nuclear spin of fermionic ytterbium isotopes provides a qubit which is intrinsically robust to external perturbations, due to its almost complete decoupling from the electronic degrees of freedom, but can nonetheless be effectively manipulated through ultra-precise optical spectroscopy techniques already developed in optical lattice clocks.

The new experimental setup will exploit the most advanced optical methods for cooling and trapping single-atom arrays: a scalable quantum register, in which fast and efficient logical operations between qubits will be implemented. In this way, we will develop optimal protocols for the creation of many-particle entangled states, whose quality and robustness to noise will be characterized through randomized projective measurements and interferometric methods. The high degree of control will then be used to investigate the deep connection between the decoherence dynamics of individual qubits and the non-equilibrium thermodynamics arising from coupling with the surrounding environment. The platform realised within the FastOrbit project will definitely represent a promising new hardware for quantum technologies, with ample opportunities for further development. It will also increase the competitiveness of Italian research in a highly strategic sector.

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 based on ultracold fermionic ytterbium atoms, focusing on the spin-orbital dynamics of single and multiple impurities embedded in 1D and 2D itinerant fermion systems.

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 promise but are also practical for use in both fundamental scientific research and technological applications.

This progress is closely linked to the equally remarkable advances in the field of atomtronics — a frontier area in matter-wave optics aiming to create atomic circuits where ultracold atoms are manipulated in versatile optical or magnetic guides.

Link: https://mawi-net.eu/

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 and gravity in unconventional ways, assessing their limits of validity and potentially constraining the values of their parameters. The consortium comprises two experimentalists, two theorists, and two SMEs, pooling their expertise to achieve the project’s objectives. Leveraging the experimental knowledge of consortium partners, QuCoM aims to go beyond by demonstrating two-mass gravity sensing and operating sensors in the quantum domain.

The theoretical aspects, including state preparation, control, and analysis schemes, are grounded in the expertise of our theory partners. High-tech SMEs within the QuCoM consortium will play a crucial role in optimising the experimental apparatus to meet the targeted objectives. This optimisation will position them to offer improved products, specifically sub-mK, low-vibration cryogenic equipment, to the market.

Furthermore, we will explore the feasibility of implementing our technology into a micro-satellite platform for space-based metrology and Earth exploration, utilising gravitational detection. This represents a direct technology impact and an innovation case for QuCoM.

Link: www.qucom.eu