Theory Division at the Atominstitut

From theoretical foundations to applications in quantum technologies

The Atominstitut is not only home to state-of-the-art laboratories but is also at the forefront of research into the theoretical foundations of quantum theory. The research area “Quantum Optics and Quantum Information” brings together expertise in various domains of modern quantum information processing—ranging from quantum communication, quantum optics, and quantum computing to quantum thermodynamics and the very foundations of quantum physics. This research area is not only diverse in its scope but also in its people. Comprising several young research groups, including two led by dynamic female scientists from outside Austria with tenure-track positions, the area boasts a diverse team of 31 members, 14 of whom are women, representing 16 different nationalities at various stages of their careers.

Researchers in this area explore how information can be stored, transmitted, and processed using quantum systems such as photons, electrons, or atoms. The fundamental unit of quantum information is the quantum bit, or qubit, which goes beyond the classical binary of zero and one. Through quantum superposition, qubits can exist in a blend of both states simultaneously, unlocking key quantum phenomena such as entanglement. This allows for secure communication through quantum cryptography, quantum teleportation of information, enhanced precision in measurements, and advances in quantum computing, as well as insights into complex quantum systems in gases and solids.

The Theory Division of the Atominstitut not only studies these abstract quantum processes but also explores how they can be realized in real physical systems. Quantum optics, the study of light and its interaction with matter, forms the foundation for many of these explorations. In parallel, quantum thermodynamics examines the limitations of control over quantum systems, investigating how heat, disorder, fluctuations, and environmental interactions affect fragile quantum states. These theoretical frameworks guide research into some of the most fundamental questions, from the nature of quantum measurements and the reality of their outcomes to inquiries like “What is time, and how do we measure it?”