
Prof.dr.ir. Henk Stoof
I am interested in..
What are you working on?
I am interested in how new materials can be exploited for energy-efficient applications, mostly in the context of information technology – think of new forms of logic and quantum computations. My field of research, called “hard” or “quantum” condensed matter physics, does this by using the quantum properties of atoms and electrons. In particular, I am interested in the phenomenon of superfluidity and superconductivity, which gives the opportunity of transport of quantum information without losses and heating. What I like about this field is that it combines fundamental research, done by theorists like myself, with applications. In one of our recent projects, for example, we proposed how to use advanced methods from string theory and quantum gravity for the understanding of high-temperature superconducting materials in the laboratory. The results of this project are two-fold: on the one hand it teaches us about fundamental aspects of black-hole physics, and on the other hand it could pave the way for practical applications of room temperature superconductors! It is precisely this strong connection between fundamental and applied research which I enjoy a lot.
What does DRSTP mean for you?
The DRSTP is the place to meet fellow theoretical physicists. Though the word “networking” sometimes has a negative connotation within academic physics, it is at the events of the DRSTP where I mostly meet other colleagues in The Netherlands.
What interests do you have apart from your research?
I like playing soccer, listening to music and going to concerts, and reading.