Mustafa Gündoğan conducts research at the Institute of Physics and the Center for the Science of Materials at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in the field of quantum optics and quantum communication. His project aims to enhance the performance of a quantum memory based on atomic Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC). The challenge lies in the conflicting effects of the high density of the gases used: while beneficial for high storage efficiencies, this density also limits long storage times.
Gündoğan’s theoretical work has shown that the density of BECs can be adjusted in a way that enables both high efficiency and long storage times for light states. This is achieved using optical lenses, which allow precise control over atomic collision rates. This technique is currently being tested in the laboratory and is planned for use under microgravity conditions in a next step. The results could play a crucial role in fundamental tests and applications based on atomic quantum memories in space.