Homepage of Laura Dreissen

Laura Dreissen was awarded ERC StG

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We are please to share that Laura Dreissen was awarded an ERC Starting Grant for her project QuEST for APV!

On the 4th of September 2025 Laura was awarded a prestigious €2 million ERC Starting Grant for her groundbreaking research on weak interactions in atoms. Dreissen and her colleagues are searching for a very small effect in atoms that tells us something about one of the fundamental forces of nature, the weak interaction. “The tiny effect we’re looking for is a defect of one of the fundamental symmetries in physics: parity,” says Dreissen. “A violation of this symmetry means that the laws of nature behave slightly differently when you look at them in a mirror. By accurately measuring this effect, we can test the Standard Model of particle physics and perhaps find clues to new particles or forces, such as mysterious ‘dark’ particles that may also be related to dark matter.” Read the full press release here

Our paper on isotope shift measurements in Yb ions was published in PRL!

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We are please to share our paper on isotope shift measurements in Yb ions was published in PRL!

On 11th February 2025, our paper on isotope shift measurements in Yb ions was finally published. In this paper we show the most recent results of high-precision spectroscopy and mass measurements in Yb ions from which we were able to benchmark nuclear structure and search for new physics. Want to know more? The paper can be found here

Laura was inaugurated as newest member of the Amsterdam Young Academy!

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We are please to share that Laura was inaugurated as newest member of the Amsterdam Young Academy!

On the 5th of November 2024, Laura was inaugurated as one of the 10 new members of the Amsterdam Young Academy (AYA). As a member of AYA, Laura will be part of an interdisciplinary group of young academics from the VU and UvA. They will meet to develop views on science, scientific policy and how to build bridges between science and society in Amsterdam (https://amsterdamyoungacademy.nl).

We welcome André Lohde as new PhD student in our group!

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We welcome André Lohde as new PhD student in the group!

André Lohde started as a second team member in the group! Together with Johannes, he will develop be the new Ba+ setup and investigate novel techniques based on robust decoherence-free entangled quantum states engineering for precision quantum metrology and sensing.

Search for new bosons with ytterbium isotope shifts

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:19:55 +0000

Open PhD position on the QUESTIONs project

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Are you interested in developing quantum technology for sensing and metrology applications and are you highly motivated? Apply to join the QUantum Enhanced Sensing with Trapped-IONs (QUESTIONs) project!

In this project you will develop a scalable trapped-ion quantum sensor based on Ba+ for quantum enhanced sensing and metrology. You will built-up lasers that enable cooling and spectroscopy of a scalable number of ions. You will design and develop optical systems that enable individual addressing of single ions and realise versatile quantum gates. You will implement advanced experimental methods to generate entangled states that enable long coherence times and explore quantum enhanced precision spectroscopy. You will apply the developed techniques to precise magnetic field sensing and frequency metrology.

Your profile

degree in MSc or engineering degree in physics (or something comparable)
an affinity for experimental physics, with preferably knowledge on atomic physics and quantum optics
a strong motivation and a good team spirit! As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

a salary of € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
contribution to commuting expenses
discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

About the QMLA section

You will be embedded in the “Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications” section of the department of physics and astronomy at the VU, which is an international group that consists of around 20 junior and senior scientists. The group has a strong background in precision spectroscopy of atomic and molecular quantum systems for a large number of applications. The different experimental teams work closely together on subjects such as ion trapping, state-of-the-art laser technology and novel quantum technology.

Faculty of Science

Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity

Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested?

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application by uploading your curriculum vitae and cover letter at https://workingat.vu.nl/vacancies/phd-in-quantum-enhanced-sensing-with-trapped-ions-questions-project-amsterdam-1049623.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is advisable. Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Questions?

Do you have questions about the position or the application proces? Send them to dr. L.S Dreissen: l.s.dreissen@vu.nl

Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled. As long as this message is visible, the positions are still open.

Laura received the Quantum Technology grant for the QUESTIONs project

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Quantum Technology grant was awarded to Laura Dreissen to realise quantum enhanced sensing and metrology in a scalable number of trapped Ba$^+$ ions

Laura received the Quantum Technology grant for the QUantum Enhanced Sensing with Trapped IONs (QUESTIONs). The QUESTIONs project aims to development a quantum sensor in a scalable number of entangled trapped Ba$^+$ ions for better sensing and metrology applications. Read more at: https://quantumdelta.nl/news/10-million-to-19-dutch-daring-quantum-research-projects https://www.nwo.nl/nieuws/negentien-toewijzingen-in-ngf-programma-quantumtechnologie

New PhD student Johannes Helgert started

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Johannes Helgert started as PhD student in the group!

Johannes Helgert started as first PhD student in the group! He will be setting up the new Ba+ experiment and developing techniques based on quantum state engineering for precision quantum metrology and sensing.

Laser Excitation of the 1S-2S Transition in Singly-Ionized Helium

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:19:55 +0000

Laura received VENI grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO)!

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Laura Dreissen was awarded a VENI grant from NWO to fund her research project: “Searching for physics beyond the Standard Model with quantum-entangled Ba$^+$ ions”.

This project aims to develop a novel ion-based quantum sensor to search for new particles and interactions beyond the Standard Model. Techniques from quantum information science and optical clock spectroscopy in trapped Ba$^+$ ions will be combined to develop a scalable, accurate and robust quantum sensor based on spectroscopy of entangled quantum states. These states are designed to reject magnetic field noise, leading to a much-improved observation time and sensitivity scaling beyond the current state-of-the-art with classical uncorrelated states. I will apply this technique to measure isotope shifts of narrow clock transitions in Ba$^+$ to search for a new boson-mediated interaction between electrons and neutrons.

https://vu.nl/nl/nieuws/2023/laura-dreissen-ontwikkelt-met-veni-subsidie-kwantumsensor-voor-donkere-materie

Sideband thermometry of ion crystals

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:19:55 +0000

Robust and scalable rf spectroscopy in first-order magnetic sensitive states at second-long coherence time

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:19:55 +0000

QUantum Enhanced Sensing with Trapped IONs (QUESTIONs)

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

This project aims to develop a scalable quantum-enhanced trapped-ion sensor that goes beyond the current state of the art. The sensor is based on quantum metrology of entangled states in singly-ionized barium (Ba$^+$) ions: an atomic system that is especially well suited for this novel technique. Besides the electronic ground state, two electronically excited states with a particularly long radiative lifetime (around 30 s and 80 s) will be used to design a variety of entangled sensor states that reject correlated noise. In this manner, the sensor state becomes insensitive to the main source for decoherence induced by fluctuations of the magnetic field environment, and the exceptionally long interrogation time of $>30$ s/ion can be fully exploited (limited only by spontaneous decay). This enables extension to a larger number ions to take advantage of the more favourable stability scaling of correlated quantum systems. Two main applications are explored with the novel quantum sensor: magnetic field gradiometry with a high spatial resolution and robust clock spectroscopy with a stability scaling that improves upon classical atomic clocks.

For the experimental realization Ba$^+$ ions will be trapped in a radiofrequency ion trap. High-fidelity single-qubit gate operation (> 99.9%) will be implemented based on the two narrow clock transitions in Ba$^+$. Techniques will be implemented to realise ground state cooling and single-ion addressing for scalability of the sensor.

QUantum Enhanced Sensing with Trapped ions for Atomic Parity Violation (QUEST for APV)

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics describes fundamental interactions between the known particles extremely well. However, it fails to provide answers for big open questions, as the origin and composition of dark matter. The QuEST project aims to develop a novel platform to test the SM, in particular the electroweak sector and search for clues that reveal new physics beyond the SM. The weak force is the only fundamental interaction that is known to break parity symmetry, i.e. inversion of spatial coordinates. In atomic systems, this effect provides a unique window into the weak interaction at low energies, complementing high energy particle physics, and provides a pathway to search for new physics beyond the SM, such as dark bosons. However, the signals revealing atomic parity violation (APV) are incredibly weak and for the last two decades progress on precision tests of atomic parity violation have been hampered by the stringent experimental requirements. In the QuEST project the quantum toolbox is fully exploited to reveal APV in Ba+ for the first time and realize more stringent tests of electroweak theory beyond the current state-of-the-art. The proposed method is based on a pair of quantum-entangled trapped Ba+ ions in a so-called decoherence-free subspace: a state is by design insensitive to noise that is correlated between both ions and immune to common-mode systematic effects. As a result, the experimental requirements can be easily met in the QuEST project and APV can be measured with superior accuracy. The main outcome of the QuEST project is to provide an independent precision low-energy test of the electroweak sector of the SM. At the targeted level of accuracy, result will be able to clearly distinguish between predictions made by the SM and models that include the existance of dark bosons.

Robust quantum metrology in trapped Ba$^+$ ions to search for new physics

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

This project aims to develop a trapped-ion system for robust quantum metrology of entangled states. By engineering a quantum system that is insensitive to correlated noise, long coherence times can be reached to boost the measurement accuracy. These decoherence free states will be implemented in a two-ion crystal that consists of two different isotopes. In this manner, the isotope shift frequency can be extracted directly from the evolution of the entangled state. From these measurements, we will search for new ‘fifth force’ interactions between electrons and neutrons mediated by a hypothetical boson.

Laura started as assistant professor at the VU Amsterdam

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Laura Dreissen started as Assistant Professor in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam!

Laura will start her brand new research group in precision quantum metrology at the VU. A novel Ba$^+$-based trapped-ion experiment will be developed to explore the quantum enhancement of entangled states and enhance the measurement accuracy for tests of fundamental physics. Her new group is embedded in the Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications section of the Physics and Astronomy department.

Improved bounds on Lorentz violation from composite pulse Ramsey spectroscopy in a trapped ion

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 13:19:55 +0000

Motional heating of spatially extended ion crystals

Fri, 07 May 2021 13:19:55 +0000

Ramsey-comb precision spectroscopy in xenon at vacuum ultraviolet wavelengths produced with high-order harmonic generation

Mon, 18 May 2020 13:19:55 +0000

Coherent Excitation of the Highly Forbidden Electric Octupole Transition in $^{172}Yb^+$

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 13:19:55 +0000

Paving the way for fundamental physics tests with singly-ionized helium

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 13:19:55 +0000

High-Precision Ramsey-Comb Spectroscopy Based on High-Harmonic Generation

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 13:19:55 +0000

Active Two-Dimensional Steering of Radiation from a Nanoaperture

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:19:55 +0000

Deep-Ultraviolet Frequency Metrology of $H_2$ for Tests of Molecular Quantum Theory

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 13:19:55 +0000

High-accuracy deep-UV Ramsey-comb spectroscopy in krypton

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 13:19:55 +0000

High-precision Ramsey-comb spectroscopy at deep ultraviolet wavelengths

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 13:19:55 +0000

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Tour

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000