Visit to the Top Institute

Physicists “always want to push the boundaries”

Roland Wester works in his laboratory on the interactions between ions and molecules.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Anton Zeilinger conducted research at the Institute of Experimental Physics at the University of Innsbruck for over nine years. He was awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Physics for his research in the field of quantum teleportation. But this was not the only reason why the "Krone" made its way to the Technology Campus.

The physicists researching and teaching there are always making headlines. Most recently, especially in the development of quantum computers. On the fourth floor of the Viktor Franz Hess House, which is named after Viktor Franz Hess, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1936 and who initiated a measuring station for observing cosmic radiation on the Hafelekar, professors Rudolf Grimm and Roland Wester welcome "Tiroler Krone" editor Manuel Schwaiger.

Grimm deals with supercold quantum matter, while Wester researches the interaction between molecules and electrically charged atomic particles, so-called ions.

Rudolf Grimm works in the field of supercold quantum matter.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

From GPS systems to the quantum internet
Sounds complicated? It is for a layman, of course. But the two physicists do their best to explain clearly what they are working on and how they might make further big headlines in the future.

Grimm explains that quantum physics is "not just about fast algorithms on the quantum computer, but also about the development of very precise sensors. Time can thus be measured much more precisely, and the best atomic clocks can be created. Today's GPS systems will be able to work many times more accurately in the future.

Wester adds that it is also a matter of "developing new encryption techniques. This may not be widely used for some time yet, but work is already underway on these techniques in banking communications." Innsbruck is also busy researching the quantum internet, which should ultimately make it possible to exchange data even faster, more securely and over even greater distances.

We are currently investigating the basic principles of superconducting materials. These may one day enable us to transport electricity at room temperature without any great effort and without any loss.

Rudolf Grimm

In search of solutions to current crises
Particularly interesting in times of energy crisis. "There are materials that conduct electricity without friction, so-called superconductors. This can save a huge amount of energy, as it can be transported over long distances without loss. We are currently investigating the basic principles of superconducting materials. They may one day enable us to transport electricity at room temperature without any great effort and completely without loss," explains Grimm.

Optimizing everything that can be optimized - that's what the physicists in Innsbruck and around the world are all about. This is the only way to get the current crises under control.

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"Looking for ways to convert CO2 again"
But it's not just quantum physics that is working to save the world. "Ions and how they behave play an important role in the atmosphere," explains Wester. Research is currently being carried out into how they contribute to the formation of clouds. To this end, the researchers are also collaborating with CERN in Switzerland, where cosmic radiation is simulated. "This is important for understanding the greenhouse effect and its changes. You can also simulate what the Earth's atmosphere was like 200 years ago, before fossil fuels were used."

The goal behind this: "We are trying to find out how to manipulate carbon dioxide and its properties in order to find a way to bind or convert emitted CO2 so that it can be retrieved and used again," explains Wester.

We are trying to find out how to manipulate carbon dioxide and its properties to find a way to bind or convert emitted CO2 so that it can be recovered and used again.

Roland Wester

Still many unanswered questions about dark matter
And what is happening with the third major pillar, astrophysics? "I'm not an expert on this, but research is being carried out into how galaxy clusters behave on large scales and how this can teach us something about the properties of dark matter, i.e. what ultimately makes up our entire cosmos. There are many questions that are not understood, some of which also lead back to other disciplines," says Wester.

Understanding the universe and its origins and making the world a better place. This is probably the best way to summarize the noble goals of scientists. Or as Grimm puts it: "We try to push boundaries and investigate things in order to break new ground."

"Sometimes 2000 scientists work on one project"
However, the physicists do not hide away in their laboratories and behind their computers, but also engage in a lively exchange with colleagues worldwide. "In some cases, 2000 scientists are working together on one project," says Grimm. Of course, there is also healthy competition among the physicists. "Of course there are questions where you are proud to be the first to achieve something," admit the two scientists.

Grimm and Wester are also proud of the fact that "quantum physics in Innsbruck is absolutely world-class". Innsbruck is always represented at the top conferences in this field.

Video: Foretaste of the large particle accelerator at CERN in Geneva

Boost for young talent thanks to "Big Bang Theory"
And what about the next generation? "The number of Bachelor's students has risen significantly over the past ten years," says Wester happily. At this point, the question naturally arises as to whether the well-known US series "The Big Bang Theory" is partly responsible for this boost. "Absolutely. Compared to 20 years ago, when I came to Innsbruck, the number of beginners has tripled. The series has certainly contributed a lot to this," says Grimm.

Incidentally, many aspects of the series - albeit somewhat simplified - are extremely realistic. Also when it comes to dealing with success and failure.

Facts

• Physics at the University of Innsbruck is divided into four departments: Astro- and Particle Physics, Experimental Physics, Ion Physics and Applied Physics as well as Theoretical Physics, with around 850 students and 500 employees.
• Roland Wester completed his doctorate at the University of Heidelberg in 1999. From 2000 to 2002 he was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of California. He received the "Gustav Hertz Prize" in 2009 for his work on the course of chemical reactions in the gas phase. He has been a member of the Young Academy of the Austrian Academy of Sciences since 2013.
• Rudolf Grimm completed his studies in Hanover in 1986. He then conducted research at ETH Zurich. Since 2003, he has been Scientific Director at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. He has been awarded the Wittgenstein Prize.

Laboratories full of high-tech to solve the last mysteries
After these explanations, the scientists open the doors to their laboratories. Here, lasers, accelerators and the like are used to research the aforementioned mysteries of the universe and the earth. The physicists explain the mechanisms behind them with palpable passion. For a layman, however, even these will probably remain dark matter forever.