Excursion

One of the most important developments in physics during the last twenty years is the emergence of the science of quantum information. Quantum information theory is a generalisation of classical information theory to the quantum world. It emerged from quantum theory combined with technological advancements that allow controlled and precise measurements on particles at the atomic scale.

Quantum information theory is mostly discussed in terms of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. An important aim of RQI research is to place key quantum information concepts within the more fundamental framework of relativistic physics.

Quantum theory and general relativity are the fundamental theories of modern physics, both highly successful in their domains. However, they are ultimately incompatible: their mathematical structures and their conceptual bases are very different. A unifying theory of quantum gravity is necessary. However, the quantum gravity regime corresponds to very high energies, well beyond present reach.

An alternative approach is to study quantum effects at large scales where experiments promise to be within reach in the near future. For example, it will be possible to test proposed modifications of quantum theory due to gravity, to probe gravitational fields generated by quantum sources, or to find whether entanglement is affected by acceleration or distance.

Furthermore, the incorporation of quantum information in relativistic physics provides novel insights into black hole physics, cosmology and many approaches to quantum gravity.

RQI research is a multi-disciplinary field as it combines concepts and methods from general and special relativity, quantum and atom optics, quantum information theory, quantum gravity and quantum foundations. Its domain ranges from foundational physics, to cutting-edge experiments that test the limits of present fundamental theories and to applications of quantum and space technologies.