This summer, I had the opportunity to attend Course 2 14 of the "Enrico Fermi" International School of Physics, organized by the Italian Physical Society (SIF Società Italiana di Fisica). The SIF is a non-profit association founded in 1897 with the mission of promoting, supporting, and advancing the progress of physics. One of its key initiatives, established in 1953, is the International School of Physics, held annually in Varenna at Villa Monastero, Italy. In 1954, the school was renamed after Enrico Fermi. This event provides a unique opportunity to meet professors and students from around the world. Each year, three courses lasting one to two weeks are organized, with topics carefully selected for their cultural and scientific impacts, as well as their relevance to recent developments in physics. For 2024, the courses offered were: "Nuclear Structure and Reactions from a Broad Perspective" (Course 213), "Quantum Computers and Simulators w i t h Atoms" ( C o u r se 2 1 4 ) , a n d "Topology and Materials" (Course 215).

Currently working on the fast state manipulation of cold atoms trapped in optical tweezers, the theme of Course 214 was a perfect match for me. This course brought together some of the world's leading experts in cold atoms, offering the opportunity to gain insightful knowledge and access to the latest advancements in this research field, which has emerged as one of the leading platforms for quantum simulation and computing in recent years.

The event consisted of 13 talks, each divided into three lectures on specialized topics related to cold atoms. Additionally, there were two seminars introducing other quantum simulation and computing platforms, such as superconducting qubits and photonic systems. Participants also presented posters showcasing their research. The course was intense and packed with information, with only one half-day off during the nine days of the event. Initially, I found it challenging to adjust to the time difference and cope with jet lag. However, the excitement of learning from exceptionally talented researchers and interacting with students from around the world quickly overcame any fatigue.

The course delved deep into the fundamental concepts of quantum computation, covering topics such as qubit encoding, state preparation, measurement t e c h n i q u e s , a n d coherence properties. Lectures on resonant and van der Waals Rydberg interactions, gate protocols, and benchmarking p rovided a s o l i d foundation for understanding quantum circuit implementation. We also had detailed explanations of ion trapping techniques, laser-ion interactions, and the realization of oneand twoqubit gates. The potential of trappedion systems for simulating complex quantum many-body systems was also explored.

A highlight of the course was the opportunity to discuss research with Antoine Browaeys and Immanuel Bloch, renowned experts in quantum optics and quantum simulation. During the week, I presented a poster on my work with the assembly of a subnanosecond pulse laser from a continuous-wave laser. I was glad to see that some participants were interested in my project and wanted to discuss it further.

The course took place at V i l l a Monastero, a former female monastery built at the end of the 12th century on the shores of Lake Como. In 1939, the villa was donated to the state of Italy, and a conference center was established there in 1953 to host cultural and scientific events. Since then, the SIF has hosted its summer school at this site, which has welcomed over 60 Nobel Prize winners. The villa is also a museum, featuring 14 rooms and neo-Renaissance and neo-Rococo tapestries and furnishings. Surrounding the villa is a botanical garden filled with rare and exotic plants, making it a popular tourist destination. It was an interesting experience to attend physics lectures while witnessing wedding photos being taken just outside the lecture hall--something I never imagined would combine!

There was a huge contrast between day and night at the villa. During the day, the surroundings were crowded with tourists, but at night, everything became calm. After the day's lectures, I and other participants would organize walks along the lake and visit the town of Varenna before having dinner with all participants and lecturers. These dinners were a great opportunity for casual discussions with the lecturers.

Attending this international summer school was an enriching experience. During the event, I was able to bond with other students from my field, many of whom I will see again at future scientific conferences. I also learned about the types of research being conducted around the world, which has given me a broader perspective on the state of research in my field. It was also a pleasure to meet professors whom I had only known through their research papers and to learn more about the people behind the work.

I would l i ke to thank Takei-san, Makino-san, Kawamoto-san, Nishiokas a n , a n d Koshida-san f rom t h e administrative team of my research group. Without their help and patience, this experience would not have been possible.