Matter and quantum systems
This profile area is dedicated to the fundamental building blocks of the universe and the central questions: What holds matter together at its core? How did the universe come into being? How can we better understand the principles of quantum theory, such as superposition and entanglement, and use them for the development of new computer technologies?
The profile area combines basic research in elementary particle physics and quantum optics with the aim of answering fundamental questions in physics and developing new quantum information technologies. Theoretical particle physics works on the further development of quantum field theory and puts the standard model to the test. In international collaborations - for example at CERN and DESY - experimental particle physics searches for discrepancies between theory and experiment as well as for previously unknown particles.
Quantum research also strives - in theory and experiment - for a deep understanding of the fundamentals of modern quantum physics. It also uses the special principles of quantum physics - such as the superposition and entanglement of qubits - to develop new, high-performance computers. The University of Siegen plays a central role in the development of quantum computer technologies and is driving the development of ion-based quantum computers with its first German start-up.