Description of the Action
Many-body Open Quantum Systems
QOpen (Action CA24109) is a European research network dedicated to advancing the understanding of complex many-body quantum systems that interact with their environment. These interactions, which lead to decoherence and dissipation, have traditionally been seen as obstacles to quantum technologies.
QOpen aims to turn this challenge into an opportunity by exploring how dissipation can be leveraged for quantum error correction and the discovery of new, non-equilibrium states of matter.
The Action establishes a collaborative framework bringing together experts from diverse disciplines to leverage Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices, develop novel numerical and analytical modeling approaches, and train the next generation of quantum researchers.
“Advancing the understanding of open quantum systems is crucial to securing Europe’s long-term leadership in quantum technologies.”
Prof. Pedro Ribeiro
Action Chair
Backgrounds
Foundations of Open Quantum Many-Body Physics
Research into open many-body quantum systems spans fields ranging from quantum information and condensed matter physics to quantum and nano-technologies. However, in real-world implementations, these systems inevitably interact with their external environments. While these interactions often cause decoherence they also offer unique resources, such as dissipative quantum error correction and reservoir engineering.
Currently, understanding the dynamics of these open systems is critical for advancing technologies like quantum computing and sensing. The field faces significant challenges, including understanding how systems thermalize or remain in pre-thermal states, and how to characterize “noisy” quantum devices (NISQ) that are inherently dissipative.
QOpen addresses these gaps by shifting the perspective: rather than just approximating ideal quantum many-body systems, the Action treats NISQ devices as many-body open quantum systems where dissipation is integral, requiring new physical and information-theoretical methods for characterization and control.
Objectives
The primary objective of QOpen is to create a sustainable, inclusive European network that tackles the scientific challenges of open quantum systems. The Action focuses on two main pillars:
Research Coordination
- Connecting the Community: Hosting recurring workshops and a flagship conference to foster long-term collaboration.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Promoting exchanges between diverse fields (e.g., condensed matter, quantum information) and facilitating researcher mobility, with a focus on Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs).
- Knowledge Sharing: Creating an open-access platform for lectures, tools, and algorithms to benefit the broader research community.
Capacity Building
- Training Future Leaders: Organizing schools and mentorship programs to empower young researchers and build a skilled European workforce in quantum technologies.
- Industry Engagement: Collaborating with the quantum industry to translate research into innovation and expand career paths.
- Inclusivity: Ensuring diverse participation and removing bias through representation and visible role models.
Scientific Program
QOpen organizes a comprehensive series of scientific activities designed to foster crosstalk and cross-fertilization between different research groups. The program includes:
1
Annual Workshops & Conferences
The Action will hold an inaugural workshop and continuing annual general workshops (totaling five throughout the Action) to present cutting-edge research and facilitate networking.
2
Training Schools
Three dedicated training schools will be organized, covering topics across all Working Groups to provide hands-on learning for PhD students and early-career researchers.
3
Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)
Applications for research visits will be reviewed quarterly, allowing researchers to visit other laboratories to exchange techniques and initiate collaborations.
4
Virtual Colloquia
Regular webinars and seminars will ensure continuous engagement and dissemination of results between physical meetings.