Physicist Builds Custom Simulator to Control Individual Atoms
Eindhoven, Friday, 24 July 2026.
TU Eindhoven physicist Rianne Lous has built a quantum simulator that manipulates individual atoms, transforming abstract quantum physics into a highly controllable, practical experimental tool.
Quantum Technology vs. Semiconductors
This breakthrough represents a major milestone in the field of quantum computing and quantum technology rather than traditional semiconductor manufacturing, though its implications will profoundly benefit the broader Dutch semiconductor ecosystem [1]. Developed by experimental physicist Rianne Lous, an Assistant Professor in the Coherence and Quantum Technology group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in Eindhoven, Netherlands, this custom-built quantum simulator seeks to demystify quantum mechanics [1][GPT]. By transitioning quantum physics from an abstract mathematical framework into a tangible, highly controllable experimental tool, the research team aims to build a highly precise calculator capable of simulating complex physical systems [1].
A Multi-Year Vision in the Qubit Lab
The development of this project, known as SIntAQS (Sensing Interactions in Atomic Quantum Systems), began in the summer of 2022, representing roughly 4 years of dedicated research and development up to July 2026 [1]. Located in the Qubit building at TU/e, the lab setup commenced six months after the arrival of Lous’s first PhD student [1]. Today, the SIntAQS development team has expanded to include eight students and two PhD candidates, all working under Lous’s leadership to master the delicate control of individual atoms [1].
Inside SIntAQS: How the Simulator Operates
At its core, SIntAQS operates as a closed system designed to observe, measure, and manipulate atomic interactions [1]. Quantum simulators of this nature allow researchers to study fundamental physical phenomena—such as atomic attraction, repulsion, energy absorption, energy release, and quantum entanglement—under highly controlled laboratory conditions [1]. By isolating these particles, the simulator acts as a laboratory proxy for real-world quantum systems that are otherwise too small or unstable to study directly [1].
Manipulating Atoms with a ‘Figurative Knob’
To control these quantum behaviors, Lous utilizes a “figurative knob” within the simulator that alters the physical distance between individual particles [1]. This mechanism is conceptually similar to adjusting the distance between two magnets to vary the force of attraction or repulsion between them [1]. By mastering this system, the research team can steer the atoms as desired, turning what has historically been viewed as abstract “magic” into a predictable, engineered tool [1].
Ecosystem Integration and Rydberg Atoms
The practical benefits of this innovation extend far beyond academic curiosity, offering vital pathways for testing advanced quantum materials and accelerating the commercialization of quantum computing technologies [1]. Beyond her work on SIntAQS, Lous is actively participating in a large-scale Rydberg Atom Quantum Computing project led by Professor Servaas Kokkelmans [1]. This collaborative effort seeks to integrate atomic simulators with the TNO Quantum Inspire cloud platform, which will eventually allow researchers to model highly complex biological and chemical structures, such as protein interactions [1].
The Future of Cloud-Based Quantum Tools
Rather than predicting a future where quantum computers sit on personal desks, Lous emphasizes that these highly specialized, complex machines will remain cloud-accessible tools [1]. To ensure that society can navigate the ethical and practical implications of these technologies, she advocates for open knowledge sharing [1]. Providing public and industry access to quantum simulators via the cloud ensures that future technological choices are grounded in shared, transparent scientific understanding [1].