EXC 2121:  Quantum Universe II

• Subject Area: Particles, Nuclei and Fields ; Astrophysics and Astronomy ; Computer Science ; Mathematics ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2019
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 390833306

The Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe II (QU-II) seeks to advance our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature that underlie all physical processes from the earliest quantum era of cosmological history to the largest gravitational structures of today’s Universe. Despite the success of the Standard Model of particle physics and general relativity in describing the microscopic components of the Universe and gravitational interactions at cosmic scales, fundamental questions remain: What produced the large imbalance between matter and antimatter? What is the dark matter that constitutes 85% of the total matter in the Universe? What causes the accelerated expansion of the cosmos? How can gravity be described by a quantum theory, and what is its underlying mathematics? QU-II will run an ambitious cross-disciplinary program to elucidate the quantum origin of mass, the nature of dark matter, and the connection of gravity to the quantum world from four different directions: Higgs physics, dark matter, gravitational waves, and quantum gravity. In less than a decade, gravitational wave science has revolutionized multiple domains of astronomy, cosmology and particle physics. Exquisite measurements at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN have started to reveal some of the characteristics of the detected Higgs boson at the ten percent precision level, while laboratory-based and space detectors have constrained the properties of dark matter. QU-II will push the boundaries of our understanding of Higgs physics by exploring its relation to the evolution of the Universe, dark matter, and gravitational wave production. The quest for dark matter is stimulating a multitude of new experiments and astrophysical search strategies, and QU-II builds on a unique experimental on-site program. We work on the development of next-generation gravitational wave detectors and on the prediction of gravitational waves from astrophysical compact objects and from the early Universe. A key strength is the synergy between dark matter and gravitational wave search experiments. To understand quantum gravity, new ideas in theoretical physics and novel geometric and algebraic structures will be explored, building on unique expertise in the Cluster. To harvest the unprecedented amount of new data in experiments and theory, we will develop new artificial intelligence techniques, creating major synergies across our individual research fields and enabling powerful applications throughout the Cluster. QU-II has a unique scientific breadth and core expertise spanning astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, and mathematics. Beyond its lasting impact on fundamental research fields and its enormous breakthrough and discovery potential, QU-II has designed innovative measures to ensure equity and diversity and to enhance its impact on society. Within a highly international environment, the next generation of leaders will receive world-class training in cutting-edge science and technology.

• DFG Programme: Clusters of Excellence (ExStra)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Participating Institution: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY)
• Spokespersons: Professorin Dr. Erika Garutti; Professorin Dr. Geraldine Servant; Professor Dr. Timo Weigand
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Freya Blekman; Professor Marcus Brüggen, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Vicente Cortés; Professorin Dr. Elisabetta Gallo; Professor Dr. Oliver Gerberding; Professorin Dr. Melanie Graf; Professor Dr. Christophe Grojean; Professor Dr. Johannes Haller; Professor Dr. Dieter Horns; Professor Dr. Gregor Kasieczka; Dr. Axel Lindner; Professorin Dr. Gudrid Moortgat-Pick; Professor Dr. Konstantinos Nikolopoulos; Professorin Elli Pomoni, Ph.D.; Rafael Porto, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Stephan Rosswog; Professor Dr. Roman Schnabel; Professor Dr. Christoph Schweigert; Professor Dr. Günter Sigl; Professorin Dr. Kerstin Tackmann, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Georg Weiglein; Dr. Alexander Westphal