History

The Quantum Optics and Solid State (QUOST) workshop was established to bring together the Chilean scientific communities working in Quantum Optics and Solid-State Physics, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The first edition, QUOST I, was held at the Universidad Católica del Norte in Antofagasta, on November 5–6, 2009. QUOST II followed it at the Campus Curauma of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (October 14–15, 2010), QUOST III at Termas del Corazón, Los Andes (May 24–26, 2012), and QUOST IV at the same venue (October 27–29, 2013). Later, QUOST V took place in Coyhaique (November 30 – December 1, 2017), and QUOST VI in Pucón (November 25–26, 2019).

 In response to the global situation, QUOST VII was held virtually on January 18–19, 2021, marking the first time the workshop formally opened to the international community, with more than 30 contributions covering a wide range of topics, including quantum optics, spintronics, metrology, topological materials, and quantum technologies. QUOST VIII continued this path of growth and internationalization, taking place in Puerto Varas, Chile, on December 5–7, 2022. This edition consolidated the workshop as a key meeting point for both national and international researchers and included a special tribute to Professor Juan Carlos Retamal, recognizing his important contributions to the Chilean quantum community.

 Over the years, QUOST has been organized with the support of CEDENNA (Centro para el Desarrollo de la Nanociencia y la Nanotecnología) and through the individual grants of participants. Its central mission remains to strengthen collaboration, foster new synergies, and provide a platform to discuss advances at the frontier of Quantum Optics and Solid State Physics. 

The upcoming edition, QUOST IX, will be held in Valparaíso, Chile, from November 5–7, 2025, hosted at the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María. This edition will not only continue the tradition of gathering experts in quantum optics and solid-state physics but will also include a special tribute to Professor Pedro Orellana, highlighting his outstanding contributions to the field.