GRK 2642:  Towards Graduate Experts in Photonic Quantum Technologies

• Subject Area: Electrical Engineering and Information Technology ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2021
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431314977

Quantum physics has led to a number of applications within the fields of quantum sensing, quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum metrology. For all these applications, researchers worldwide have carried out experiments that demonstrate proof-of-principle implementations.So far, only a few of potentially many applications have been developed into commercially available products. The reasons for the lack of technology transfer efficiency are manifold: First, many concepts rely on exotic and costly materials or fabrication processes, so that they are inappropriate for industrial applications. Second, the proof-of-principle implementations have often been demonstrated only in the controlled environment of a lab. Third, the degree of integration is still low such that typical demonstrations require large setups with bulk components. This is exactly what impedes current approaches in quantum physics from becoming a real-world technology.Our goal is to achieve this transition by assembling prototypes of quantum devices and their enabling technologies that proof to work in a realistic environment while being compatible with industrial standards. This endeavor is only possible by the joint effort and knowledge of both physicists and engineers. Even more, we believe that it requires a new type of professionals: Photonic Quantum Engineers.Therefore, we aim at establishing an interdisciplinary Ph.D. training program at the University of Stuttgart, consisting of three pillars: Science-and-technology, transferable-skills, and entrepreneurial training.As part of the Science-and-technology training, doctoral researchers will conduct research projects that inherently feature collaborations of different labs. The transferrable-skills training provides core skills for the future career, including skills in communication, leadership, organization, and management. The entrepreneurial training is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry.The University of Stuttgart provides the ideal environment for supporting our high scientific and educational goals. Its research center SCoPE fosters joint interdisciplinary research projects between engineers and physicists and collaborations with industry partners. SCoPE has established a M.Sc. program “Photonic Engineering;” the Research Training Group will enable its extension on the doctorate level.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Universität Stuttgart
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Jens Anders; Professorin Dr. Stefanie Barz; Professor Dr.-Ing. Norbert Frühauf; Professor Dr. Harald Giessen; Professor Dr. Alois Herkommer; Professorin Dr. Laura Na Liu, since 1/2024; Professor Dr. Peter Michler; Professor Dr. Tilman Pfau; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jörg Schulze; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Cristina Tarín Sauer; Professor Dr. Thomas Weiss, until 7/2021; Professor Dr. Jörg Wrachtrup
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Michael Saliba