OUR RESEARCH
Atomic magnetometry
Guarrera
We study and manipulate spin systems based on thermal vapours, with long coherence time and high atomic densities. Our research primarily focusses on the development of ultra-sensitive magnetometers, and co-magnetometers that have application in inertial rotation sensing, in the search for Dark Matter, and quantum information science.
Bose-Einstein condensates
Barontini
Deb
Guarrera
We manipulate atomic Bose–Einstein condensates using dynamic potentials generated by a digital micromirror device. This platform allows us to investigate a wide range of phenomena, including the motion of atoms in synthetic dimensions, the mechanisms reponsible of the generation of cosmic rays, and even the role of time in quantum gravity.
Brain diagnostics
Kowalczyk
Barontini
We are developing novel techniques to access the connectivity in the human brain by using optically pumped magnetometers in combination with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our approach provides new capabilities to understand the brain as a network and to investigate brain connectivity in cognition and disorders.
Highly charged ions
Barontini
Guarrera
​We produce, cool and interrogate highly charged ions and study their interaction with laser-cooled Coulomb crystals. Our aim is to use this unique platform to realise an atomic clock with enhanced sensitivity to variations of the fine structure constant. This will enable us to look for dark matter and dark energy signatures. This experiment is part of the QSNET network.
Ultracold quantum mixtures
Deb
Barontini
We are constructing thermo-machines operating at the genuine quantum level using ultracold atomic mixtures. Our investigation will lead to a better understanding on how to manipulate energy in the quantum regime with substantial impact in quantum computing and quantum information architectures.