Quantum science, since its inception in the early 1900s, has continued yield to concepts that challenge our understanding across the foundations of physics, from mysterious fundamental particles and fields that make up the Universe, to novel quasi-particles emerging in natural physical systems or artificial non-relativistic quantum matter laboratories.
The Interdisciplinary Quantum Science for Fundamental Physics Initiative, the IQ Initiative, for short, aims to become the center for inquiry, training, and exchange in fundamental quantum physics. Our research programs focus on the interdisciplinary areas of common interest to quantum condensed matter, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO), and high energy physics (HEP), with members joining from traditionally disjointed backgrounds. At its conception, the IQ Initiative directs its main focus on theoretical and experimental research in the areas of:
- Emergent analogues of fundamental particles in quantum simulation platforms.
- Probes of phenomena beyond the Standard Model of particle physics through precision many-body measurements with novel materials or ultracold atomic, molecular, and photonic gases.
- Modeling and experimentation to detect dark matter using engineered table-top quantum probes.
- Quantum field theoretic concepts that can be tested by and drive the design of next-generation quantum materials and technologies.
- Advanced solid-state materials and devices (in the form of new detectors) that can be exploited in HEP experiments for improved time resolution and lower energy detection thresholds.
Our goal is to develop the IQ Initiative into an encompassing environment at the cutting edge by joining the exploration of fundamental physics and quantum systems development to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and harness natural synergies present in diverse areas of quantum science.