QDNL Visitor's Programme Spotlight: Neutral Atom Research in Chicago
As part of the QDNL Visitor Programme, Timo Dolné (TU Delft) spent six months in the research group of Prof. Hannes Bernien at the University of Chicago. The exchange gave him the opportunity to broaden his perspective beyond solid-state qubits and immerse himself in the field of neutral atom quantum systems.
His main project was the design and construction of a measurement device to characterize atom-photon entanglement. Managing the project independently—from schematics and component selection to circuit assembly—strengthened both his technical expertise and his confidence as a researcher.
Working in a completely new area gave me valuable insights and skills that I can now apply to my PhD research in Delft. It was eye-opening to see how practices considered standard in neutral atom systems were completely new to me.”
The exchange also provided unique opportunities for academic interaction, including a visit from Nobel Prize laureate Alain Aspect, whose pioneering work on entanglement directly relates to the group’s research.
For Timo, the visit was both professionally and personally enriching—expanding his scientific knowledge, his international network, and his independence as a researcher. He now returns to Delft with new ideas and perspectives to apply in solid-state quantum research.
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