What does modern quantum physics look like in the lab? For Davin Li, a bachelor’s student in physics and mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this summer provided a very hands-on answer to that question. As part of the SUPER—Stuttgart University Program for Experiencing Research—he spent two and a half months at the 5th Institute of Physics. In the “Circular Rydberg Atoms” research group, he worked on his own research project even before the start of his third semester.
Davin first learned about the University of Stuttgart through Jens Hertkorn, an alumnus of the institute. Jens who is now conducting research at MIT as a Pappalardo Fellow recommended the research groups at the 5th Institute of Physics to Davin. “I wanted to spend the summer in a lab where I could not only learn about experiments but also contribute to current research myself. The SUPER program was the perfect opportunity for that,” says Davin. “We are particularly pleased that Davin’s research visit with us continues a long tradition of exchange between the MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms at MIT and our institute. The fact that this exchange begins at the student level is especially valuable to us—and an important part of our vibrant scientific partnership,” explains Institute Director Tilman Pfau.
Taking on responsibility early on
During his internship, Davin designed a test setup for so-called optical tweezers, which use highly focused laser beams to trap and move individual atoms with high precision. In doing so, he investigated how the quality of the laser beam changes during rapid positional shifts. His findings are expected to contribute to the ability to control three-dimensional arrangements of atoms even more precisely and flexibly in the future—an important prerequisite for future experiments with circular Rydberg atoms, which are considered promising building blocks for powerful quantum simulators and quantum computers.
Davin was supervised by postdoctoral researcher Fabian Thielemann, who believes in entrusting young students with responsibility from an early stage: “It’s important to give students the opportunity to collaborate on a scientifically relevant project as early as possible. We see how quickly they develop and flourish when they’re responsible for their own project and can contribute their own ideas.”
This benefits not only the students but also the research itself too. “New perspectives often emerge precisely because of fresh minds. The results of an internship can certainly contribute to advancing the overall project scientifically,” says Fabian.
Beyond research
In addition to lab work, the SUPER program offered a variety of activities, including visits to the High Performance Computing Center in Stuttgart and a modern research wastewater treatment plant on the Vaihingen campus. There were also plenty of opportunities for international exchange. Together with other SUPER participants, Davin explored the region and beyond. Trips to Ulm and Milan, as well as hikes in the Swabian Alb, were just as much a part of his summer as spending time with students from all over the world.
“The combination of research, international exchange, and joint activities made my stay a unique experience. I especially enjoyed the hands-on learning, where we built a project from the ground up, and I’ve gained much more confidence in my ability to figure things out on my own,” Davin says happily.
About SUPER – Stuttgart University Program for Experiencing Research
Each summer the University of Stuttgart hosts around 20 stem students in the program SUPER. This research program is designed exclusively for undergraduate and graduate students coming to the University of Stuttgart from selected partner universities that take part in the program. In addition to conducting high-quality research, students gain intercultural insights and experience student life that is different from home. Due to the intense level of research supervision, the number of places is extremely limited.
SUPER is generously funded by the Christian und Dorothee Bürkert Stiftung.
SUPER - Stuttgart University Program for Experiencing Research