Dutch Physicist Builds Custom Simulator to Control Individual Atoms
Eindhoven, Saturday, 29 August 2026.
Physicist Rianne Lous has built a custom quantum simulator at Eindhoven University of Technology that controls individual atoms by adjusting their physical distance like magnets.
Bridging Theory and Reality in Quantum Computing
This pioneering research belongs firmly to the field of quantum computing, representing a major leap forward in translating highly theoretical concepts into tangible, experimental reality [1]. At the Eindhoven University of Technology, located in Eindhoven, Netherlands, experimental physicist Rianne Lous has designed and constructed a custom-built quantum simulator to move beyond mathematical abstraction [1][2]. Lous, who serves as an Assistant Professor in the Coherence and Quantum Technology group, initiated the “SIntAQS” (Sensing Interactions in Atomic Quantum Systems) project in the summer of 2022 [1]. By transitioning quantum mechanics into a highly controllable laboratory environment, this innovation lays the groundwork for advanced material design and the practical scaling of quantum processors [GPT].
How the SIntAQS Simulator Controls Atoms
The SIntAQS quantum simulator operates as a custom-built, closed system engineered specifically to observe, measure, and manipulate fundamental atomic behaviors [1]. The apparatus allows researchers to closely monitor atomic interactions, including attraction, repulsion, energy exchange, and quantum entanglement [1]. To manipulate these particles, the system utilizes a unique control mechanism described as a “figurative knob” [1]. By adjusting this control, researchers can alter the physical distance between individual atoms, a process analogous to changing the distance between two physical magnets to vary their interactive force [1]. This precise control enables the systematic steering of atoms, allowing scientists to study complex physical systems under highly customized parameters [1].
Overcoming Infrastructure Hurdles in Eindhoven
Bringing the SIntAQS project to fruition required navigating significant logistical and infrastructural challenges [1]. The setup of the physical laboratory faced initial delays tied to the construction status of the university’s Qubit building [1]. Consequently, laboratory assembly could only commence six months after the arrival of Lous’s first PhD student, forcing the research team to source and assemble all specialized components and infrastructure entirely from scratch [1]. Despite these early setbacks, the project has grown into a collaborative effort, currently supported by a dedicated team of eight students who assist in refining the system’s capabilities [1].
The Vision for Open-Access Quantum Technology
Beyond the technical specifications of the SIntAQS simulator, the research advocates for a more transparent and inclusive approach to deep-tech development [1]. Lous emphasizes that future societal decisions regarding quantum computing must be grounded in openly shared knowledge to ensure diverse perspectives and equitable benefits [1]. While specialized, highly complex quantum computers are unlikely to become household appliances, cloud-based access will eventually allow individuals and organizations to utilize this advanced computing power remotely [1]. To foster this future, local initiatives are already introducing these concepts to the public. For instance, on August 30, 2026, families in Eindhoven can participate in “The Inventors and the Quantum Code” at De Ontdekfabriek, an interactive event co-created with Eindhoven University of Technology researchers to make quantum science accessible to younger generations [2].