Coordination Funds

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Tilman Pfau
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 317299865

The central element of SPP GiRyd is to exploit the strong and controllable interaction properties between Rydberg atoms in experimental and theoretical atomic, molecular and optical physics as well as semiconductor and many-body physics. The emerging field of Rydberg physics is bridging the gap between those fields and is in that sense very interdisciplinary. Many cross-disciplinary aspects arise, as it is now possible to investigate composite systems involving strong interactions. This breadth is well represented within Germany, where e.g. the Rydberg blockade has first been observed in semiconductor materials, the first Rydberg molecules have been detected and the first Rydberg based single photon transistor has been investigated. In the first funding period the coordination project provided the means to bring all groups working on Rydberg physics together to benefit mutually from the tremendous knowledge in their respective subfields. This created a national network, endorsing the exchange of information and the development of new concepts and methods, which will push Germany to become the leader of this field.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1929: Giant Interactions in Rydberg Systems (GiRyd)