Complex quantum systems may realize entangled states, i.e. superpositions of fundamentally distinct physical states at the same time. For example, where the bits of a classical computer can only assume two mutually exclusive values ‘on’ and ‘off’, a quantum bit can be in a simultaneous superposition of an ‘on’ and an ‘off’ state. As a consequence, a multi-bit ‘quantum computer’  would be able to process information in ways far more powerful than what is classically possible today. Quantum superpositions, however, are highly vulnerable to environmental perturbations such as radiation, noise, or other sources of quantum wave decoherence — the main reason why such type of quantum information processing has not become a reality yet.

The mission of CRC 183 is to overcome these challenges within the context of condensed matter physics. A salient feature of entangled quantum matter is that the large number of atomistic constituents forming a solid may mutually protect each other against the detrimental effects of decoherence. Within CRC 183 we do research on these protective mechanisms, their implications in quantum information theory, and the ensuing perspectives in the design and realization of quantum devices. The long term agenda of the project is to work towards the realization of solid state quantum information devices.