Heidelberg Quantum Architecture

The new Heidelberg Quantum Architecture (HQA) is a next-generation quantum gas experiment aimed at versatile and simplified assembly of many-body systems.

CLICK FOR MORE

The project is a joint effort by Professors Selim Jochim and Matthias Weidemüller. Construction of the experiment will begin in the fall of 2019 and several thesis projects at the Bachelor, Master and PhD level are available. Interested students should contact Selim Jochim, Matthias Weidemüller, or Philipp Preiss.

Mechanical Platform Design (Master, PhD)

The aim of this project is to design a versatile, modular optical system for quantum gas experiments. We will develop a standardized platform to make mounting of optics repeatable, reliable and fast: Individual elements can be pre-aligned, are interchangeable, and verifiable. These features are key in creating an experiment that can easily be reconfigured and realigned. This project will go hand-in-hand with the optics design for the new Heidelberg Quantum Architecture and establish a standardized toolkit for future experiments. Key elements are:

• Mechanical and optical design (CAD drawings)
• Prototyping (mechanical workshop and 3D printing)
• Testing and benchmarking
• Implementation in the HQA experiment

Optical Design (Master, PhD)

The new experiment will combine tweezer and lattice geometries with a high-resolution imaging setup (quantum gas microscope). In this project, we will design and implement the required high-NA optical system. Key elements are:

• Conceptual design of optical control
• Research + purchase of appropriate light sources
• Design of high-NA optical systems (e.g. Zemax)
• Implementation in the experiment

Experimental Control (Master)

The experimental control system will use a new, modular architecture based on distributed DACs and ADCs to generate and read analog and logic waveforms. One possible implementation is to use readily available RedPitaya platform (or similar) to implement control signals, PID loops, laser locks etc. Components of the project are:

• Development of individual electronic modules (DAC, PID, phase lock)
• PCB Design (e.g. Altium, with electronics workshop)
• Syncronization of many devices, central control
• Programming of full experimental sequence

Laser Systems (Bachelor, Master)

The new Heidelberg Quantum Architecture will require several laser systems, including frequency-locked diode lasers and high-power fiber amplifiers. Several projects are available to build and benchmark laser systems. Key components:

• Atomic spectroscopy
• Implementation of optical frequency locks
• Small optical setups (beam shaping, AOMs, fiber coupling)

Mechanical and Vacuum Assembly (Bachelor)

In this project, we will design and build the mechanical and vacuum setup for the Heidelberg Quantum Architecture, hand-in-hand with ongoing PhD and Master projects. Key components:

• Mechanical design, CAD software (with mechanical workshop)
• Prototyping (machining, 3D printing)
• Assembly of vacuum and mechanical system