Precision measurements of space and time

What happened directly after the Big bang more than 13.7 billion years ago? What kind of theory is able to describe the physics at this early stage of the universe, and how can quantum mechanics and gravitational theory be unified? For decades scientists all around the world have been trying to find answers to these questions, but many problems have not been solved up to now. At the Centre for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research in Hannover scientists attempt to answer these questions by combining modern technological developments with results from fundamental research. In particular, QUEST scientists improve the sensitivity of measurement devices by using characteristic features of quantum mechanics for advancing high precision measurement technologies. For example, new high precision clocks are built and gravitational wave detectors are further improved. Those detectors will not only verify Einstein’s predictions from general relativity, but will also form the basis for gravitational wave astronomy. Moreover, QUEST directly contributes to the development of modern tools for navigation and high precision geodesy missions. The fruitful collaboration between interdisciplinary research groups within QUEST as well as the transfer of results from theory to experimental design and vice versa is a key feature of the cluster.