Dutch Physicist Builds New Simulator to Control Individual Atoms
Eindhoven, Friday, 7 August 2026.
Eindhoven physicist Rianne Lous has built a simulator to physically control individual atoms, humorously noting that the groundbreaking machine is currently in a “stubborn toddler phase.”
Demystifying Quantum Computing
This breakthrough belongs firmly to the domain of quantum computing and quantum technology, rather than traditional silicon-based semiconductor electronics or pure photonics [1]. While classical computers rely on binary bits, quantum simulators leverage the fundamental, non-intuitive properties of quantum mechanics to model physical systems that are otherwise far too complex to calculate [1][GPT]. By building a physical system that directly mimics these properties, Assistant Professor Rianne Lous, based at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU Eindhoven) within the Dutch quantum ecosystem, is transforming how researchers study atomic interactions [1].
Bridging Theory and Practical Application
The primary benefit of this custom-built quantum simulator, named SIntAQS (Sensing Interactions in Atomic Quantum Systems), is its ability to serve as a highly precise, tangible testing ground for complex materials [1]. By mastering atomic control, researchers can design advanced materials and next-generation quantum computing components without relying solely on abstract mathematical models [1]. Furthermore, Lous’s research feeds into the larger Rydberg Atom Quantum Computing project led by Professor Servaas Kokkelmans, which aims to connect a quantum computer to TNO’s Quantum Inspire cloud platform to model protein interactions for medical applications [1].
Inside the SIntAQS Simulator
To understand how SIntAQS works, one must look inside its core architecture, which functions as a tightly sealed, closed vessel designed to isolate and observe atomic interactions [1]. Within this controlled environment, the simulator measures fundamental quantum behaviors, including attraction, repulsion, energy absorption, energy release, and quantum entanglement [1]. This experimental setup allows researchers to manipulate these particles directly, turning quantum theory into a hands-on experimental discipline [1].
Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges
The road to constructing SIntAQS at TU Eindhoven was marked by significant logistical hurdles [1]. Initiated in the summer of 2022, the project faced immediate delays due to the unfinished construction of the university’s specialized Qubit building [1]. Consequently, the physical setup of the laboratory could not begin until approximately six months after Lous’s first PhD student had already arrived, forcing the research team to source all of their infrastructure and specialized components entirely from scratch [1].