Les Houches Cold Atoms School 2026
Measurement and dissipation in cold atomic systems
10/26/2026 - 11/6/2026
Les Houches
About
This doctoral school will explore current and emerging topics in quantum optics, ultra-cold atoms & molecules, quantum simulation, and photonics, offering a program of lectures, seminars, hands-on sessions, poster sessions, and societal evening discussions. The program will promote interdisciplinary exchange, with contributions from experts across theory and experiment and special care will be taken to include several lectures from a young generation alongside more senior and established scientists.
Organizers
This school will gather early graduate students to provide training on ultracold atomic and molecular gases. After a series of lecture on general aspects of the field (laser cooling, quantum degenerate gases…), the school will provide a special emphasis on dissipation and the effect of measurement on quantum systems, We will highlight limits caused by dissipation, mitigation techniques, and methods to harness dissipation as a useful resource.
Topics
Speakers
Caroline Champenois
Aix-Marseille University
Jean-Philippe Brantut
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Jonathan Home
ETH Zurich
Juliette Billy
University of Toulouse
Lauriane Chomaz
Heidelberg University
Leonardo Mazza
University of Paris-Saclay
Philipp Treutlein
University of Basel
Robin Corgier
Observatoire de Paris
Rodolphe Le Targat
Observatoire de Paris
Wen Chao Xu
ETH Zurich
Practical Info
Premises
The school provides you with:
- a library with the main scientific journals (paper or online) and some reference books
- an open space with many blackboards
- a video projector
- an automated video capture system
- a photocopy machine
- Internet (wifi + hubs to connect laptops to the local network)
- desktop computers (5 PCs) and a B&W Laser Printer
- 3 washing machines and 3 dryers.
- Three meals a day in our restaurant
Lodging
Participants are housed in “chalets” in individual bedrooms (electricity: AC, 50Hz, 220V).
- A flashlight is handy at night ; the school chalets are scattered on the mountainside and outside lights may be poor (power failures, storms,…).
- The altitude of the school is 1150 m.
- You will be housed in single rooms with your own bathroom/toilets.
- Towels, shampoo, soap, shower gel and hair-dryer are provided.
Meals
Meals are taken at the school dining room. Drinks are not included. Free coffee & tea is available in the bar and in the main building.
- Breakfast: 7:45 am to 8:45 am
- Lunch: 12:30 pm
- Dinner: 7:30 pm
The cafeteria has a piano, table soccer and table tennis.
Additional Transport Info
Access to the school
Please find all the information on Les Houches' official website.