Dutch Physicist Builds Quantum Simulator to Control Individual Atoms
Eindhoven, Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
Rianne Lous at Eindhoven University of Technology has constructed SIntAQS, a revolutionary quantum simulator that precisely controls and manipulates individual atoms. Starting construction in summer 2022, her device measures how atoms attract, repel, and become entangled under controlled conditions. The breakthrough transforms abstract quantum physics into practical experimentation tools, positioning the Netherlands as a quantum research leader and potentially accelerating quantum computing development for applications like drug discovery and protein modeling.
Understanding the Technology Behind SIntAQS
This innovation falls squarely within the quantum computing sector, representing a critical advancement in quantum simulation technology. SIntAQS, which stands for Sensing Interactions in Atomic Quantum Systems, functions as a sophisticated quantum simulator designed to measure how atoms interact under precisely controlled laboratory conditions [1]. The device enables researchers to observe and manipulate fundamental atomic behaviors including attraction, repulsion, energy absorption and release, and quantum entanglement - phenomena that form the building blocks of quantum computing applications [1].
The Development Timeline and Research Team
Lous initiated the construction of SIntAQS in summer 2022, marking the beginning of an ambitious four-year development process [1]. The project gained momentum when her first PhD student joined the team, with laboratory setup commencing six months after that initial recruitment [1]. The research effort has since expanded significantly, with eight students and two PhD candidates currently contributing to the SIntAQS development, demonstrating the collaborative nature of this quantum research initiative [1]. Lous, who serves as an assistant professor at the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education at Eindhoven University of Technology, characterizes the current state of her simulator with characteristic honesty: “Right now, the simulator is in a stubborn toddler phase” [1].
Practical Applications and Future Integration
The benefits of Lous’s quantum simulator extend far beyond academic research, with direct applications in drug development and protein modeling becoming increasingly viable [1]. Her work contributes to a broader quantum computing initiative led by Professor Servaas Kokkelmans, known as the Rydberg Atom Quantum Computing project, which aims to connect quantum computing capabilities to TNO’s Quantum Inspire platform as of August 2025 [1]. This integration strategy reflects the practical focus driving the research: “Essentially, we want to build the best possible calculator,” Lous explains, emphasizing the computational potential of quantum systems [1].
Advancing Quantum Accessibility and Control
Lous’s research philosophy centers on making quantum technology more accessible and controllable. “The more you master your system, the more you can steer the atoms as you wish,” she states, highlighting the precision control that SIntAQS enables [1]. While acknowledging that quantum computers remain too complex for home use, Lous advocates for cloud-based access to these powerful computational tools [1]. Her commitment to open knowledge sharing aligns with broader scientific principles: “We need to base our choices on knowledge that is shared as openly as possible,” emphasizing the importance of accessibility and diversity in advancing quantum science [1]. This approach positions the Netherlands at the forefront of quantum research, with Eindhoven University of Technology serving as a key hub for transforming theoretical quantum mechanics into practical technological solutions.