This is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that can best be described as an ensemble of particles for which the quantum state of each individual particle cannot be described independently of the state of the other particles, regardless of the distance between them. The entanglement is very brittle and its study usually requires extremely low temperatures. By using ultra-short pulses of light, generated at the Lund Laser Centre, Gisselbrecht’s team, from the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering (LTH), measure the quantum state of the electron. The aim is to develop measurement methods and theories so that the researchers can better understand the entanglement between electrons emitted from matter.

“If we succeed, this could be a method that helps find materials to build quantum computers that can withstand higher temperatures, with the possibility of fast operations,” says Mathieu Gisselbrecht.

This year, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation is granting a total of SEK 700 million to 23 innovative basic research projects at Swedish higher education institutions.

Mathieu Gisselbrect's profile in the Lund University Research Portal