Photonic Quantum Engineering Testbed

• Subject Area: Condensed Matter Physics ; Electrical Engineering and Information Technology ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 460122111

Quantum technologies are expected to revolutionize our world by exploiting fundamental quantum physical effects for novel technological applications in the areas of communication, information processing and sensing. Examples include secure quantum communication, where inherent security is guaranteed by fundamental principles, quantum processors exceeding the performance of classical computers, and quantum sensors with unprecedented sensitivity and functionality. To enable these technologies is essential that the fundamental quantum physical effects, such as superposition and entanglement, are made accessible in quantum hardware which requires sophisticated quantum engineering. This major research instrumentation proposal applies for matching funds to set up a "Photonic Quantum Engineering Testbed". This testbed provides benchmarking capabilities for the engineering of building blocks and integrated circuits for photonic quantum technologies. At the same time, it enables a wealth of novel research opportunities in the areas of quantum material characterization, fundamental quantum optical studies and realizing distributed quantum networks. To these ends, this tool shall consist of a millikelvin cryostat equipped with a vector magnet and optical access, complemented with a tuneable laser for optical excitation as well as efficient single-photon detectors.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Testumgebung für photonisches Quantenengineering
• Instrumentation Group: 5750 Spezielle Laser-Mess-Systeme (z.B. Laser-Doppler-Vibrometer)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Leader: Professor Dr. Kai Müller