Quantum Pub

Nobel Prize winning physicist Richard Feynman once famously stated: "Nature isn't classical, dammit, and if you want to make a simulation of nature, you'd better make it quantum mechanical!" Today, his vision of building a universal quantum simulator is increasingly becoming a reality. But what exactly is a quantum simulator, and what can we do with them? In this talk, I will introduce the concept of quantum simulation, highlighting how we can use precisely controlled atoms trapped in crystals of laser light to recreate and explore the physics of complex materials (think high-temperature superconductors!!). The impact of these devices also goes beyond simulation—by engineering quantum systems atom-by-atom, we are laying the foundation for next-generation quantum technologies, including ultra-precise sensors, novel computing paradigms, and new methods to probe the fundamental laws of physics.

For centuries, optical microscopes have helped us explore the microscopic world, revealing the intricate details of cells, tissues and much more. However, they are fundamentally limited in what they can see—molecular structures and many biochemical processes remain invisible. What if we could go far beyond these limits and image even the tiny magnetic signals of nuclear spins?
This is now possible thanks to Optical Magnetic Resonance Microscopy, a new technique that combines quantum sensing with the principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At the core of this approach are quantum sensors—atomic-scale defects in diamond that act like ultra-sensitive magnetic probes. Using high-speed cameras, we convert otherwise undetectable magnetic signals into visible images, offering a completely new way to study materials and biological systems.
By bridging the gap between MRI and optical microscopy, this technology opens new possibilities in fields such as biomedical research, where it could help scientists analyze individual cells with unprecedented detail. While still in development, it has the potential to revolutionize imaging, offering a new perspective on the invisible world around us.