The development of laser cooling and
trapping techniques for atoms enabled us for the first time to study and
fully control individual quantum systems in the lab. Apart from
progressively refined tests of the laws of quantum mechanics these
capabilities also provide us with the basis for new, quantum-enabled
technologies, such as quantum computers, quantum simulators or enhanced
sensors. In recent years a similar level of control has also be
obtained for artificial and macroscopic quantum systems, like
superconducting quantum circuits or nanomechanical resonators.
In our research group we are interested in quantum optical phenomena
at the crossover between the microscopic and the macroscopic world and
potential applications of coherent solid state and hybrid quantum
systems for future quantum technologies.