Project description
Exploring quantum phenomena in collisions of ultracold atoms and ions
Neutral atoms and charged ions cooled down to extremely low temperatures behave in accordance with quantum mechanics laws. So far, no study has observed atom–ion mixtures at ultracold temperatures. The EU-funded Pint project aims to achieve this by placing an ytterbium ion inside a cloud of lithium atoms cooled down close to absolute zero. The system can be used to study quantum chemistry at the single particle level, quantum many-body physics of interacting atoms and ions and buffer gas cooling of trapped ions. Ion–atom collisions could give rise to quantum phenomena such as short-lived atom–ion configurations known as magneto-molecular resonances. The project will search for Feshbach resonances which allow the control of the interactions between atoms in ultracold quantum gases.
Objective
Here, I propose new experiments to study the ion-atom interaction in the quantum regime with an Yb+ impurity immersed in a bath of fermionic lithium atoms. Hybrid ion-atom systems combine the well-controllable platforms of trapped ions and ultracold quantum gases and link them together by the intermediate-range ion-atom interaction. These new quantum systems offer intriguing prospects for buffer gas cooling, quantum simulation of condensed matter/many-body systems as well as for state-to-state quantum chemistry. Although ultracold atoms and ions have each been routinely studied in the quantum regime, experiments with ion-atom mixtures remained firmly confined to the classical collision regime until very recently. As a first, the Yb+ - Li mixture has been cooled to the regime where quantum effects dominate the ion-atom interactions. With this unique system, I aim to understand, characterize, and control the ion-atom interaction in the quantum regime trough experiments. A key question to answer is: Can we find magneto-molecular (Feshbach) resonances? These resonances play a pivotal role in ultracold quantum gases, where the allow for atom-atom interaction tuning. So far, they have not been observed between atoms and ions because the required ultracold temperatures were not yet achieved. With the Yb+ - Li system there is now a good prospect for observing them. Next, I will study the coherence of ion motion in a quantum bath of fermionic atoms by preparing particular (non-classical) states of ion motion and monitoring their dynamics using tools derived from trapped-ion quantum computing. Together with a detailed study of the quantum chemistry within the mixture, this research will allow me to assess the suitability of this new quantum system in emerging quantum technology. The Marie Curie action offers a great possibility to combine my expertise on ultracold atoms together with the expertise of the host group in ion-atom systems and enhance my competences along the way.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkali metals
- natural sciences chemical sciences physical chemistry quantum chemistry
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics quantum gases
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1012WX Amsterdam
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.