Research projects – Institute of Micro Production Technology

Quantum Valley Lower Saxony

The overall goal of the QVLS is to build a 50 qubit quantum computer. The IMPT is part of this excellent research network with access to unique infrastructure of the whole consortium. The team has excellent national and international networks and participates (besides QVLS-Q1) in important collaborations, including the Cluster of Excellence "QuantumFrontiers". The IMPT is part of several teams. In QVLS T2.4, building on our expertise in atom chip fabrication, we are addressing the design and construction of an atom chip with the possibility of depositing a glass package on the surface of the atom chip and encapsulating it. In this course, we are evaluating joining techniques with respect to hermeticity. Furthermore, in a novel implementation of these atom chips with a grating-based magneto-optical trap, we aim to integrate an optical grating into the atom chip surface. In QVLS T3.1, we are developing processes and methods to connect an ion trap chip together with the associated quantum control components (CMOS electronic chip, active photonic chip, passive optical interposer). This includes all connections to the outside world (cables, fibers). This ion trap packaging solution will be based on 3D hybrid integration techniques to enable stacking and bonding of dies from ceramic, glass and silicon substrates at wafer level. In QVLS T3.3, as part of the miniaturization of the vacuum system and the peripherals necessary for the operation of the quantum sensor, we are addressing the evaluation of joining glass to titanium and joining components under UHV conditions (themo-compressive and anodic). Furthermore, we are involved in the development of a pumping technique, which will initially be based on non-evaporable getter materials (NEG). Furthermore, we are developing and characterizing a platform for chip-based atomic sources for use in quantum sensors.

Year: 2021

Funding: VolkswagenStiftung & Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur

Duration: 2021 - 2025

KACTUS II

Within the first joint project KACTUS, a new generation of atom chips could be developed at IMPT in collaboration with the Institute of Quantum Optics (IQ) and the Humboldt University Berlin (HUB), which are characterized by more suitable materials and better joining processes, so that this new atom chip generation is characterized by faster switching behavior and better vacuum properties. Based on this novel platform, further functions are to be added to the atom chips within the framework of KACTUS II, which, in addition to further miniaturization, will also result in a drastic reduction in the complexity of the overall structure. Here, the focus is on the investigation of new chip materials, the introduction of several current-carrying layers per chip and the improvement of the optical quality of the mirror layer for interferometric applications.

Year: 2019

Funding: BMWK

Duration: 2019 - 2024

PhoenixD

The Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD deals with the topic of realising optical precision devices quickly and cost-effectively using additive manufacturing. This vision unites researchers from the faculties of mechanical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, computer science and chemistry at Leibniz Universität Hannover and TU-Braunschweig. The researchers are working together on the simulation, production and application of optical systems. The systems currently based on glass are complex, usually manufactured by hand and sometimes require large installation spaces. The cooperation of the different departments is now to develop a digital manufacturing system with which individualised optical products can be realised.

Year: 2019

Funding: DFG

Duration: 2019 - 2025

Quantum Frontiers

The Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers combines the research strengths of Leibniz Universität Hannover, TU Braunschweig and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Braunschweig with the aim of developing new measurement concepts and sensor topologies based on photonic systems, dedicated semiconductor systems, nanostructures, quantum-manipulated atomic and molecular ensembles, and even macroscopic objects. The IMPT focuses mainly on atomic interferometry and is involved with two research groups.

Year: 2019

Funding: DFG

Duration: 2019 - 2025

Compact atom chip technology for the use in zero-gravity (KACTUS)

The goal of the KACTUS project is to further miniaturize and further develop scientific instruments for the generation of Bose-Einstein condensates, a macroscopic quantum object in which the majority of the particles are in the same quantum mechanical state. The particles all have the same wave function and thus form the basis for atom interferometry, in which the wave properties of atoms are analyzed, for example to determine the gravitational constant.

Year: 2017

Funding: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)

Duration: 2016 - 2019

QCHIP

The Institute of Microproduction Technology (IMPT) develops so-called atom chips as components of magneto-optical traps for compact matter wave interferometers. In combination with sophisticated laser cooling, these atom chips generate magnetic field configurations to trap and cool atoms by exploiting the Zeeman effect. This represents the first step in creating a bose-einstein condensate that serves as a test mass for interferometry. In order to use such high-precision matter-wave interferometers in the field or on board satellites, miniaturization will be pursued. The number of lasers and electronics required for cooling can be reduced by patterning the surfaces of atomic chips with optical gratings. By cleverly exploiting diffraction effects, operation can thus be achieved with just one laser.

Year: 2019

Funding: BMWi

Duration: 2019 - 2026