Institute for Quantum Physics of the Atmosphere

The IKON Institute for Quantum Physics of the Atmosphere is located at the IKON location in Zurich and is divided into six departments. It deals with research in the field of physics and chemistry of the global atmosphere from the ground to the top of the middle atmosphere at about 120 km altitude.

Questions relating to the atmosphere arise in the IKON aviation, space travel, transport and energy programs. In addition, the institute is available as a competent contact for society and politics.

The Institute for Quantum Physics of the Atmosphere has the entire range of methods from sensor development, observations on different spatial scales (local to global), analysis, theory building and numerical modeling including predictive capabilities. Based on these competencies, the institute deals with both basic and application-related tasks. Long-term basic research, which often only enables a specific application to be realized, is important here that should not be underestimated.

The research approaches include:

1. New developments based on innovative quantum technological processes, which will contribute significantly to solving social and technological challenges

2. Novel systems of quantum sensors – for example high-precision inertial sensors – for space and terrestrial applications that use the entire spectrum of new developments in quantum physics and quantum optics

3. Groundbreaking geodetic applications and advanced reference systems in space and time based on it

As part of the planned “Optical Frequency Measurement” department, strong cooperation with NIST in the USA (National Institute of Standards) is planned. One of the departments (relativistic modeling) will also be located in Zurich.