This is a funding instrument of the Netherlands Organisation of Scientific Research (NWO) aimed at research questions in or overlapping the fields of earth sciences, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, life sciences, physics, and mathematics. Karman will develop a theoretical model of the microscopic interactions between cold molecules in an optical lattice and how these interactions can be controlled.
Simulations by molecules
We live in an information society that relies heavily on computer simulations. Think of chemical and pharmaceutical industry, where drugs are discovered on the computer, automotive industry, for the design and testing of prototypes, and the optimization of production and logistics encountered in virtually any branch of industry. However, these optimization problems are oftentimes complex and the computer resources required rapidly become intractable. Some of these optimization problems can be solved more efficiently using quantum simulation. This research will explore how the interactions between molecules can be controlled such that we can use molecules as quantum simulators. “I was thrilled to hear the positive feedback on this project, and I am eager to start it!”, Tijs Karman says.
Controlling interactions for quantum simulation
Karman studies quantum phenomena in molecular collisions. He focuses on theoretical research into collisions between ultracold molecules, which are promising for quantum computing and simulation. Ultimately realizing these applications requires understanding and controlling collisions and interactions between molecules. “Understanding how microscopic interactions can be controlled really is essential for simulation using molecular quantum gas microscopes, that are being realized experimentally right now”, Karman says.
NWO Open Competition Domain Science-M
NWO Open Competition Domain Science-M (ENW-M) grants are intended for curiosity-driven scientific research of high quality. The ENW-M grant offers researchers the opportunity to elaborate original, innovative, risky ideas and to realise scientific innovations that can form the basis for the research themes of the future.
We warmly congratulate Tijs with his grant!