Quantum physics has led to a variety of possible applications in the fields of quantum sensing, quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum measurement technology – enabling highly efficient computers, tap-proof data transmission, and better diagnosis of diseases.
For all these applications, proof-of-principle implementations have been demonstrated. However, only a few applications have been developed into commercially available products. The goal of the new Research Training Group is exactly on fostering this transition.
The challenges of technology transfer in photonic quantum technologies are manifold: First, many concepts rely on exotic and costly materials or fabrication processes and are thus inappropriate for industrial applications. Second, proof-of-principle implementations have been demonstrated only in well-controlled laboratory environments. Third, the level of integration has to be improved, as typical demonstrations up to now require large setups with bulk components.
Tackling these challenges requires a new kind of professional: The Photonic Quantum Engineer, who is an expert in both quantum physics and engineering. Therefore, the Research Training Group is going to establish a new interdisciplinary training program covering different aspects ranging from novel materials and fabrication methods over electronics and data analysis to theory and simulations. Each doctoral researcher will be supervised by one expert from physics and one from engineering and work a highly topical research projects related to quantum light sources, quantum sensing, and enabling technologies.
The Research Training Group builds on activities of the Stuttgart Research Center of Photonic Engineering (SCoPE) and the Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology (IQST). SCoPE fosters interdisciplinary research between engineering and physics as well as academia-industry cooperations. It has established a Master’s program on Photonic Engineering. IQST stimulates synergies and high-risk projects in basic research in quantum science across fields such as physics, materials science, biology, engineering, chemistry, medicine, and information science.