The development and testing of highly accurate quantum sensors requires specific laboratory conditions, especially concerning temperature stability, simultaneous vibrational decoupling of building and ground as well as a cleanroom environment. Additionally, a housetop measuring site (“Messdach”) is needed, which allows a direct view on satellites.
Exactly this infrastructure, which has hitherto not been existent neither at the Leibniz Universität Hannover nor at the HITec partner institutes or in a national setting, is realized through the new research building. This will secure a prominent position for Hannover in the academic competition all over the world over the medium and long term and creates a platform for Germany as a science location, which is highly attractive for international researchers.
In addition to excellent laboratory conditions, three large-scale equipment facilities are in use, which are globally unique in their combination.
Einstein-Elevator
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M.Mathey/HITec
Probably the most striking feature is the Einstein-Elevator - a facility executing experiments with a high repetition rate under conditions of microgravity.
Fibre Fabrication Facility
Another feature is a fibre fabrication facility, which enables the development and manufacturing of glass-fibres, for example, for space-qualified applications.
Atomic Fountain
The third major device is a so-called atomic fountain, which explores high-precision measurement technologies based on matter waves, to be tested and developed.
