Benasque Quantum Optics
(Benasque Science Center, Jun 21 - Jul 04, 2026)

Organizers:

D. Chang (ICFO, Barcelona), J. J. García-Ripoll (IFF-CSIC, Madrid), P. Rabl (TU Munich / WMI, Munich), O. Romero-Isart (IQOQI, Innsbruck)

The field of quantum optics has rapidly evolved from the analysis of toy models for atom-photon interactions into a general framework for quantum engineering and quantum control in very different systems ranging from superconducting quantum circuits and solid-state defect centers to levitating nanoparticles, atomic arrays and Rydberg-atom quantum processors.

The workshop uses a format which is similar to the Aspen and KITP meetings, with a very limited number of official talks so that participants interact at will. In particular, we invite around 10 prominent scientists (mainly experimentalists, see list below) in order to have an introductory talk every day aimed at stimulating subsequent discussions. Participants are encouraged to profit from the optimal installations at the Benasque Science Center (CCBPP), which includes offices, blackboards, and seminar rooms to self-organize discussions, lectures, talks, etc. Benasque, with its beautiful valley, sports facilities, and local exquisite restaurants, offers an ideal atmosphere to trigger inspiring discussions and boost the social relations among scientists.

While the schedule of the workshop is quite informal, theorists (experimentalists) are strongly encouraged to stay two weeks (at least one week) in order to take full advantage of the scientific atmosphere.

Bus transportation for participants will be organized by the Center. In particular, there will be a bus connection between Barcelona (including airport) and Benasque. The trip takes approximately 6 hours. Alternatively the trip by car takes approximately 3,5 hours. The CCBPP center can also be reached with public transportation, using buses that depart from Zaragoza's (4 hours) and Barcelona's (6 hours) high speed train stations.

The CCBPP will assist in securing a number of affordable accommodation options including hotels and short-term apartment rentals. The registration fee (see below for details) covers the use of the CCBPP (offices, computers room, etc), bus transportation, a daily coffee break and weekly wine and cheese receptions.

Preliminary list of discussion leaders, updated as confirmations arrive:

• Arno Rauschenbeutel (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)
• Dominik Schneble (Stony Brook)
• Emily Davis (NYU)
• Gerhard Kirchmair (UIBK, IQOQI)
• Guifre Vidal (Google)
• Hannes Bernien (IQOQI)
• Johannes Zeiher (MPQ)
• Aamir Mohamed Ali (Chalmers)
• Jan Kirchhof (TU Delft)
• Uros Delic (TU Wien)
• Vladimir Manucharyan (EPFL)

Registration fee information