GRK 2079:  Cold Controlled Ensembles in Physics and Chemistry

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 255962793

The tremendous progress in experimental and theoretical atomic, molecular and optical science over the past decades opens today new avenues for tailoring and controlling matter on the quantum level. In this research field, cold and ultracold atomic and molecular systems play a key role in understanding quantum properties and quantum dynamics in well-defined systems. Related research also develops applied aspects for quantum information, metrology and laser applications, and provides far reaching progress in modern technology. The proposed International Research Training Group (IRTG) focuses on Cold Controlled Atomic and Molecular Ensembles to study a wide range of phenomena in physics and chemistry. The research program will break new ground in producing and characterizing cooled and trapped atomic and molecular systems and using state selectivity and quantum control to study properties and dynamics of the systems. Experimentally, the program combines groups in the fields of ultracold atoms, ion traps, cold molecules and clusters, and quantum control with femtosecond lasers. The complementary expertise of the theorists (DFT calculations, quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, reactive scattering, quantum manybody simulations, molecules in strong fields, macroscopic QED) adds solid theoretical background for the research program. The IRTG will provide a structured doctoral program including seminars, summer schools, meetings and guest programs on the highest international scientific level. The research is of interdisciplinary character and will connect to diverse fields of atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics, condensed-matter physics, and physical chemistry. The involved groups will efficiently foster synergy effects in technological developments, scientific achievements as well as for creating a unique training environment for young scientists. All doctoral projects will be embedded into binational collaborations and include long-term stays at both locations. Doctoral projects will be co-supervised, having one German and one Canadian supervisor. A continuous assessment and support of the project work at different levels as well as measures promoting gender equality will be an integral part of the program. The extended working periods in Freiburg and Vancouver offer a tremendous advantage for the qualification of the doctoral students both for a future career in academia as well as in industry due to the added interdisciplinary and intercultural experiences.

• DFG Programme: International Research Training Groups
• International Connection: Canada
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• IRTG-Partner Institution: University of British Columbia
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Frank Stienkemeier
• Cooperation Partners: Professorin Dr. Sarah Burke; Professor Dr. Edward Grant; Professor Dr. John Hepburn; Professor Dr. David J. Jones; Professor Dr. Roman Krems; Professor Dr. Kirk Madison; Professor Dr. Valery Milner
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Andreas Buchleitner; Professor Dr. Stefan Yoshi Buhmann; Professor Dr. Bernd von Issendorff; Professor Dr. Marcel Mudrich; Professor Dr. Giuseppe Sansone, since 6/2018; Professor Dr. Tobias Schätz; Professor Dr. Michael Thoss, since 6/2018; Privatdozent Dr. Michael Walter
• IRTG-Partner: Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Takamasa Momose