About us


The IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience (QNS) is laying the foundation for future technology by exploring the use of quantum behavior atom by atom on surfaces with highest precision. We are driven to discover and develops scientific tools to in order to create new frontiers in its area of basic science. Drawing on our director Andreas Heinrich's scientific leadership, QNS has filled its world class facility at Ewha Womans University with ground-breaking tools and inquisitive minds immersed in a culture of exploration.

Our Center enables the curiosity of young researchers as they embrace the risks, patience, and exacting work of basic research in quantum phenomena at the nanoscale. We aim to build capacity of future quantum researchers in Korea as well as increase public understanding of quantum nanoscience. Our director A.J. Heinrich and all team members respect and appreciate the opportunity IBS provides to support Korean leadership in the dawning Quantum Era.

What is Quantum Nanoscience?

Quantum nanoscience is a novel research field at the intersection of quantum and nanoscience. Quantum science studies the quantum mechanical properties of matter and Molecular Nanoscience focuses on materials at the atomic scale. QNS combines both of these by investigating the quantum behavior of atoms and molecules on surfaces. In this endeavor, we employ specialized tools that allow us to see and touch atoms and move them into desired atomic positions. This allows us to build engineered structures consisting of several atoms.

The Center for Quantum Nanoscience focuses on a basic exploration of our world on the atomic scale with an eye towards harnessing these quantum behaviors for high-density data storage and quantum computation in the long term.

Our Goals

8-min (1)
    • Explore how quantum science changes when atoms and molecules are in contact with materials
    • Use atoms and molecules on surfaces to make the smallest qubit platform
    • Explore and control the classical to quantum transition in nanoscale systems
    • Create exotic states of matter to enable atom-based quantum technologies

Highlights