Dutch Physicist Builds Revolutionary Quantum Simulator That Controls Individual Atoms
Eindhoven, Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Rianne Lous at Eindhoven University has constructed SIntAQS, a groundbreaking quantum simulator that precisely manipulates individual atoms to study real-world quantum phenomena. Starting from scratch in 2022 without even a dedicated lab space, her team now operates a system that measures atomic interactions including attraction, repulsion, and entanglement. The breakthrough demonstrates practical quantum physics applications beyond theory, with plans to integrate the technology into a public cloud platform by 2025, making quantum computing accessible to researchers worldwide.
Quantum Computing Breakthrough at TU/e
This innovation represents a significant advancement in quantum computing technology, specifically in the realm of quantum simulation and atomic control systems [1]. Assistant Professor Rianne Lous at Eindhoven University of Technology’s Department of Applied Physics and Science Education has developed SIntAQS (Sensing Interactions in Atomic Quantum Systems), a sophisticated quantum simulator designed to measure precise atomic interactions [1]. The system captures fundamental quantum phenomena including attraction, repulsion, energy absorption and release, and quantum entanglement between individual atoms [1]. Unlike theoretical quantum physics models, this apparatus demonstrates practical applications of quantum mechanics through direct experimentation with atomic building blocks [1].
From Concept to Reality: Building Without Boundaries
The development timeline of SIntAQS showcases remarkable determination and resourcefulness. Lous initiated the project in summer 2022 without access to a dedicated laboratory space [1]. The team established their operational laboratory six months after her first PhD student joined the project [1]. This unconventional start reflects the pioneering nature of the research, with Lous describing the current phase candidly: “Right now, the simulator is in a stubborn toddler phase” [1]. The project has grown to include eight undergraduate students and two PhD candidates contributing to the system’s development [1]. PhD students Claudia Galantini and Luc Verwaal are among the key researchers working alongside Lous on the quantum simulator [2].
Technical Innovation and Future Applications
The fundamental goal of SIntAQS extends beyond basic research into practical quantum computing applications. “Essentially, we want to build the best possible calculator,” Lous explains, emphasizing the computational potential of quantum systems [1]. The research team’s ambitions align with broader quantum computing initiatives at TU/e, including the Rydberg Atom Quantum Computing project led by Professor Servaas Kokkelmans [1]. This collaborative approach positions the university at the forefront of European quantum research, particularly through its involvement in the QuBriC Doctoral Network, which received €4.7 million in EU funding to address quantum error correction challenges [3]. Lous serves as the Gender Equality Officer for this pan-European network that unites 16 universities and 7 quantum computing companies [3][5].
Public Access and Democratic Technology Development
A critical component of the project involves democratizing quantum computing access through cloud-based platforms. The quantum computer developed by Lous’s team will connect to TNO’s public cloud quantum computing platform Quantum Inspire as of August 13, 2025 [1]. This initiative addresses current limitations in quantum technology accessibility, as Lous acknowledges: “No, these computers are still too complex and their applications too specialized. But through the cloud, anyone can learn to use the technology and make use of it in the future” [1]. The approach reflects a broader philosophy of open knowledge sharing, with Lous emphasizing: “We need to base our choices on knowledge that is shared as openly as possible” [1]. This commitment to accessibility ensures that quantum computing advances benefit a wider community of researchers and practitioners, rather than remaining confined to specialized laboratories [1].