Working Group Quantum Physics

In the research fields Astrophysics, Gravitation, Quantum Theory and the Physics of the Early Universe there is a range of new developments: gravitational waves have been discovered and their properties measured, black holes have been mapped and stars and their surrounding exoplanets demonstrated, adding new excitement to the question of the origin of life in the universe.

Goals of the Working Group Quantum Physics and Gravitation

• Investigation of new questions at the interface of Astrophysics, Gravitation, Quantum Theory and the Physics of the Early Universe

Project Description

The Working Group focuses on the new experimental developments in the above-mentioned research areas. These include in particular the discovery and properties of gravitational waves, black holes, stars and their surrounding exoplanets, including the question of the origin of life in the universe, as well as the possibilities emerging today to carry out quantum mechanical tests of gravitation with precision measurements.

Various aspects of the Physics of the Early Universe, the topic of the completed working group “New Challenges in Cosmology”, remain important here. In the coming years, the constituents of dark matter could be discovered in astrophysical observations or in the laboratory. The same applies to the expected effects of primordial gravitational waves in cosmic background radiation. The Working Group addresses the infinite expanses of the cosmos and questions for the future, such as: What effects does dark energy have on mass distribution in the cosmos and how can we characterise it more precisely?

Current

• 7 to 9 October 2024, Science Campus in Bahrenfeld: Workshop ‘Gravity & Entanglement’
  Despite great efforts over the last 100 years, it has not yet been possible to unite quantum theory and general relativity without contradictions. This raises the interesting question of whether entanglement phenomena can also occur and be observed in systems with gravitational interactions. This question is at the centre of the two-day international workshop.

Perspectives and Review

• Autumn 2020, Hamburg: Lecture series “eROSITA: Das heiße Universum und die dunkle Energie” (Hot Universe and Dark Energy – working title)

• 11 to 13 February 2019, DESY Hamburg: Workshop „Primordial black holes, de Sitter space and quantum tests of gravity“