EXC 2004:  Matter and Light for Quantum Computing (ML4Q)

• Subject Area: Condensed Matter Physics ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2019
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 390534769

The Cluster of Excellence ML4Q is a project at the forefront of quantum computing research, spearheading the development of novel concepts in this field. In the past few years, quantum computing has advanced dramatically, with processors containing up to a few hundred qubits beginning to showcase the potential of a disruptive technology at its nascent stage. At the same time, the leap forward to tens of thousands, or even millions of qubits, crucial for applications, remains a challenge. Quantum computing has thus reached a pivotal stage, shaping ML4Q’s roadmap: We aim to push the frontiers of the field by pioneering quantum hardware and software that are at an early development stage today and may become game changers in the next few years. ML4Q, a consortium of three universities – Cologne, Bonn, and Aachen – along with the Forschungszentrum Jülich brings together complementary expertise in condensed matter physics, quantum optics, device technology, and quantum information. Our cluster works across the full stack of quantum computing, from foundational work in quantum matter to algorithms, for four qubit platforms at varying stages of development: superconducting, Rydberg, spin, and topological qubits. Building on previous breakthroughs, we have identified seven research objectives with transformative potential that we believe can be achieved within the project's timeframe. These include the development of quantum algorithms geared at early applications of quantum processors, novel concepts for error correction and hardware resilience, the construction of links for information transfer between and within chips, and the realization of matter platforms for entirely new qubits. Alongside its scientific mission, the cluster is playing a pivotal role in establishing a regional research environment: The growth of the team by a cohort of scientists dedicated to quantum computing, including experts previously employed by the industry giants Google and Amazon, is taking a transformative influence on our research. A variety of quantum computing platforms currently under construction at Jülich, alongside cutting-edge quantum optical and condensed matter device facilities spread over the network, establish a world-leading research infrastructure. Furthermore, we have developed a highly performant training network for the next generation of scientists. We are now planning to take three more steps towards the establishment of a comprehensive quantum research region Rhineland: evolving ML4Q’s Research School into a Quantum Career Center to promote careers in academia and beyond, creating a Center for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion tailored to the specifics of quantum science research, and developing a hub for Software Development and Data Management. We believe that the combination of these efforts will position our consortium at an internationally unique vantage point in the upcoming race for the next level of quantum computing.

• DFG Programme: Clusters of Excellence (ExStra)
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Co-Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen; Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Participating Institution: Forschungszentrum Jülich; Freie Universität Berlin; Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf; Ruhr-Universität Bochum; Universität Paderborn; Universität Siegen
• Spokespersons: Professor Dr. Alexander Altland; Professorin Silvia Pappalardi, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Christoph Stampfer
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Yoichi Ando; Professor Dr. Rami Barends; Professor Mario Berta; Professor Dr. Hendrik Bluhm; Professorin Dr. Dagmar Bruß; Professor Dr. Tommaso Calarco; Professor Dr. Sebastian Diehl; Professor Dr. Jens Eisert; Professorin Dr. Lena Funcke; Professor David Gross, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Fabian Hassler; Professor Sebastian Hofferberth, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Jelena Klinovaja; Professorin Dr. Corinna Kollath; Professorin Dr. Annika Kurzmann; Professor Dr. Michael Köhl; Professorin Dr. Kristel Michielsen; Professor Dr. Markus Müller; Professor Dr. Achim Rosch; Dr. Peter Schüffelgen; Professorin Dr. Christine Silberhorn; Professor Dr. Daqing Wang