Taming, slowing and trapping atoms with light
Cold is quantum, Quantum is cool!
We shape quantum matter
Multicolored lasers for a variety of atoms
Keeping our eyes on the quantum world
Join our ultracool group!
High technology for great science
Taming, slowing and trapping atoms with light

Welcome to the website of the Ultracold Quantum Gases group at the European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS), the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Florence (Italy) and the Institute of Optics of the Italian National Research Council (CNR - INO). In our labs we use lasers and magnetic fields to produce the lowest temperatures of the Universe, just a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero...

At these temperatures, atoms stop moving and we can control them for a variety of different fundamental studies and applications. We can force atoms to arrange according to a periodic structure and simulate the behavior of crystalline solids and new materials. We can use the atoms as ultra-high accurate sensors to probe forces with the power of quantum mechanics. We can study how quantum particles combine together under the action of strong interactions and how superfluidity develops. We can use these ultracold atoms to process information and develop new quantum technologies.

Dress warmly and... follow us for this ultracold journey!

LAST NEWS

Looking for a PhD? Join us!

We are looking for applicants who either hold or expect to obtain a Master’s degree in physics or a related field and have a strong interest in atomic physics, photonics, quantum optics, and quantum technology. Join our world-class research environment to explore quantum sciences with ultracold matter.

You can find more information here and on our Jobs Page.

 

LENS Internship Scholarships – 2025 Edition

LENS Internship Scholarships – 2025 Edition is open!

10 scholarships of 3000€ are available to support students who intend to conduct a 6-month master's thesis internship at LENS between April 2025 and December 2025.

To address gender disparities in STEM, at least 50% of the scholarships will be awarded to female candidates.
Candidates must submit their application within March 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM CET .
You can find all the details here

 

Florence-Innsbruck meeting

On October 30th-31st, we held the second Florence-Innsbruck joint meeting at the INO-CNR headquarters in Arcetri with the research groups on Ultracold Atoms from IQOQI and the University of Innsbruck. It was a great opportunity for the young researchers to discuss recent scientific advancements in a friendly atmosphere, surrounded by the beautiful setting of Arcetri. Many thanks to Giulia, Francesca, and Giacomo for the organization! See you in Innsbruck next year!

Innsbruck-Firenze Meeting

On 17th-19th April we were in Innsbruck for a joint meeting with the research groups on Ultracold Atoms at IQOQI and University of Innsbruck. Great to be there discussing ultracold physics with old friends of ours and so many young researchers!

Many thanks for the perfect organization and warm hospitality in Innsbruck. See you in Florence next year!

Palaiseau-Florence Workshop on Ultracold Atoms

A scientific workshop to discuss the most recent advancements in the context of ultracold atom physics and related fields. Experimental and theoretical groups from Palaiseau (France) and Florence (Italy) research areas will present their activities and discuss collaborations in topics ranging from metrology and entanglement to quantum transport and simulation.

The scientific program and all the information for attendance can be found on the workshop website
quantumgases.lens.unifi.it/paf

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