About the Cluster | What is QUEST?

Centre for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research

The Cluster of Excellence QUEST has been supported by the Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments since November 2007. The main research areas of the cluster are quantum engineering and space-time research. Six institutes of Leibniz Universität Hannover and the following external partners are involved: the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) with the gravitational wave detector GEO 600, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Braunschweig and the Centre of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity in Bremen.

Exploring quantum effects in order to create sophisticated measurement technologies is one of the cluster’s core research areas. Within QUEST, scientists are working on new concepts to specifically exploit quantum effects, which should improve current measurement accuracies by many orders of magnitude. New results from fundamental research in quantum optics and solid state physics are leading to innovative, optimum-precision measurement technologies.

The researchers are for example working on particularly stable and precise laser systems, on tailor-made optical technologies, on special forms of light (squeezed light) and on atomic interferometers. Among other applications, these technologies are used in the gravitational wave detector GEO 600 to increase sensitivity. In addition, the technology is also suitable for use in geodesy projects such as future gravitational field satellite missions.

Furthermore, QUEST is a world leader in the production of stable and high-precision (optical) clocks. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of transportable clocks for use in space. Typical applications in precision geodesy are the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and high-precision measurements of the Earth’s gravitational field.

Using these technologies to answer some of the fundamental questions of modern time and space physics is a particular strength of the cluster. QUEST consciously encourages the dovetailing of theoretical and experimental research, in order to find answers to such questions as: “Are the fundamental constants really constant?”, “What does quantum mechanics have to do with gravitation?” or “How did the Big Bang work?”

The theoretical results from the areas of gravitational physics, string theory, quantum optics, and quantum information have a direct influence on the development of measurement technologies. At the same time, the application of these technologies leads to new insights in fundamental research, so that within QUEST theory, experiment and applied research complement each other and benefit from the synergies that arise. This optimum combination of theoretical and experimental expertise, together with the interdisciplinary nature of the cluster, is unique in the national and international research landscape.