Quantum Technologies Group

Quantum Technologies Group (QT) is engaged in experimental research on quantum simulators based on cold atomic gases, quantum metrology and sensing, and quantum communication. In addition, the group will establish the National Laboratory for Time and Frequency, which will provide the official Croatian time and ensure traceability of measurements to SI units for time and frequency

Group website: http://cold.ifs.hr/

Research Areas and Techniques

All research areas within the group involve the interaction of lasers with atomic systems and various spectroscopic techniques for the detection of atomic transitions. Cold atomic gases are laser-cooled to temperatures of about 50 µK, while hot atomic vapors are heated to around 373 K (100 ºC).

Quantum Simulators
The group develops new techniques for laser cooling and trapping of rubidium atoms using an optical frequency comb, investigates the interaction of frequency combs with cold atoms inside a high-reflectivity optical resonator, and explores quantum simulators based on quantum fluids of light in hot atomic vapors.

Quantum Metrology and Sensing
Research in this area includes the establishment of an optical atomic clock based on cold strontium atoms. Such a system is extremely sensitive to external influences and can therefore also be used as a sensor for physical quantities such as magnetic fields or gravity.

Quantum Communication
The group explores new types of quantum memories based on different atomic systems. Using an optical frequency comb and protocols such as electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and atomic frequency combs (AFC), the multimode character of quantum memories is investigated.