Celebrating the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, we are thrilled to partner with Faculty of Physics at the LMU München in co-organizing a captivating series of public talks. Join us on an enlightening journey, exploring the rich history of quantum theory, its foundational postulates, and the exciting frontiers of current research.

Quanta under the microscope: How we can calculate with single atoms

Dr. Johannes Zeiher | Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics

The control of quantum mechanical phenomena underpins many modern technologies. Examples include lasers and advanced semiconductor materials. In both cases, a large number of elementary building blocks are controlled, in this case photons or electrons.
In addition, the targeted microscopic detection and control of individual building blocks opens a completely new window into the world of quantum mechanics.
In my talk, I would like to illustrate how we gain insight into this fascinating microscopic world in our work by cooling, controlling and detecting individual atoms with the help of lasers. This allows us to assemble more complex quantum mechanical systems - building block by building block, atom by atom - and then to study them in a targeted way. On the one hand, our experiments allow us to detect novel phenomena in interacting quantum systems of many particles. They also allow us to work with atoms as quantum mechanical information carriers and to realise so-called quantum computers. Such machines can perform calculations beyond the capabilities of conventional computers, opening the door to new applications.

The event is open to everyone interested in exploring quantum science. The public talk will be held in German. Admission is free.
We look forward to welcoming you to the event!