QUEST (Cluster of Excellence)

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Center for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research
activity November 2007 - October 2014
Sponsorship state
place Hanover
management Wolfgang Ertmer (spokesman), Karsten Danzmann (deputy spokesman)
Employee approx. 220/94 financed by QUEST
Annual budget EUR 7 million on average
Website www.questhannover.de

The Cluster of Excellence QUEST  - Center for Qu antum E ngineering and S PACE T ime Research was between 2007 and 2012 as part of the Excellence Initiative funded by federal and state governments and then got up to 2014 Final funding. The research work of the cluster has been continued since 2015 in the form of the QUEST Leibniz Research School , which was founded in 2009.

The main research areas of the cluster were quantum engineering and space-time research. The cluster of excellence was interdisciplinary with scientists from the fields of quantum optics, laser physics, solid-state physics, gravitational physics, theoretical physics and geodesy; institutes of Leibniz University Hannover and several partner institutions were involved. Wolfgang Ertmer was the spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence , Karsten Danzmann was the deputy spokesperson .

research

In the cluster, quantum effects for the production of new measurement technologies were researched. New concepts were worked on, which should improve previous measurement accuracy through the targeted use of these quantum effects. Examples are stable and precise laser systems, customized optical technologies, special forms of light (squeezed light) and atomic interferometers . These technologies are used, among other things, directly in the GEO 600 gravitational wave detector to increase sensitivity. The technology is also suitable for use in geodesy projects, such as future gravity field satellite missions.

The cluster was involved in the development and manufacture of stable and highly accurate (optical) clocks, in particular transportable clocks for use in space. These clocks are required for precision geodesy applications such as B. for the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and for high-precision measurements of the earth's gravity field.

The newly developed technologies are to be used for measurements that are intended to answer fundamental questions in the theoretical physics of time and space. Specifically, it is about the connection between quantum mechanics and gravity, the test of whether fundamental constants are really constant, and the processes involved in the creation of the universe.

Structure of the main research areas

QUEST's research was divided into four research areas (A – D):

  • A: Quantum engineering
  • B: quantum sensors
  • C: space-time research
  • D: New technologies

In addition to the research areas, QUEST had set up the so-called task groups, which function as cross-topic working groups and work on specific research projects as cross-structures to the research areas:

  • T: Task Groups

The structure was supplemented by area H, which included the promotion of young scientists and equality:

  • H: Human Resources

Institutions involved

Research building HITec

In 2010, the Science Council recommended the construction of a new research building at Leibniz Universität Hannover, the Hannover Institute for Technology, or HITec for short. The research building enables basic research, applied research and technological development in the field of quantum physics and geodesy to be carried out together under one roof. The construction for a staff of 100 to 120 people was initially designed for around 29.5 million euros and should be completed in a three-year construction period from 2014 to 2016. The foundation stone was laid on January 27, 2015 and the HITec building was officially opened on July 6, 2018. The costs amounted to 34 million euros. In addition to many laboratories planned especially for laser experiments, the HITec includes three large devices: a free-fall simulator, a fiber drawing system and an atomic fountain.

Web links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ QUEST interim report 2010  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Toter Link / www.questhannover.de   . As of April 8, 2011. Accessed August 18, 2011.
  2. ↑ German Research Foundation: EXC 201: QUEST - Center for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research , accessed on August 5, 2019.
  3. ^ Department of Economy, Transport and Education of the Hanover Region: Economic Report 2016 of the Hanover Region , p. 42, accessed on August 5, 2019.
  4. ^ Mechtild Freiin v. Münchhausen: According to the Excellence Initiative - The Future of QUEST , Department for Communication and Marketing at Leibniz University Hannover, November 11, 2011, accessed on August 5, 2019.
  5. ↑ Wissenschaftsrat: Recommendations for the funding of research buildings (2012) s: 43, (Drs. 1419-11, July 2011) (PDF file; 524 kB)
  6. ↑ HITec for Hanover: Foundation stone laid , February 2, 2015, accessed on August 5, 2019.
  7. ↑ HITec celebrates its opening , July 9, 2018, accessed on August 5, 2019.
  8. ↑ Bärbel Hilbig: How researchers in Hanover simulate weightlessness , Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung , July 6, 2018, accessed on August 5, 2019.