The main research objective of our group is to investigate quantum effects of nano- and microscopic systems and their implications for the foundations and applications of quantum physics. We apply and develop quantum optics methods to achieve control over motional states of these systems in the quantum regime. From a fundamental perspective, our goal is to gain access to a completely new parameter regime for experimental physics with respect to both size and complexity. We are particularly interested in the perspectives for studying the interface between quantum physics and gravity using quantum optical control over the motion of increasingly massive solids. From an application perspective we are investigating nano- and micromechanical systems in novel sensing and transducing architectures, for example as photon-phonon interface for quantum information processing or as inertial sensor for measuring weak gravitational forces.

Our current activities are centred around the following topics:

• Quantum Controlling Levitated Systems
• Measuring Small-Scale Gravitational Forces