Area E: Quantum Electrical and Optical Engineering
Summary
As quantum technology advances beyond the control of individual quantum objects, the need for a dedicated Quantum Electrical and Optical Engineering becomes obvious. Two examples from the past supporting this claim may suffice. In the early 1980s, quantum electrodynamics with microwave resonators has given the field of quantum optics an enormous push. Recently, the integration of optical waveguides and detectors together with non-classical light sources into quantum optical on-chip circuits has revolutionized the field. In both cases it was the interaction of engineering with physics that has opened a new avenue.
Currently one of the prime activities in this field is the engineering of the interface between two quantum systems such as a cavity and a superconductor with the classical readout and control circuitry. These efforts have inspired new thoughts about the role of the measurement device in quantum technology. The layout of a quantum circuit is guided by the one of the classical electronic circuit, but at the same time, strongly motivated by the progress in quantum optics.
Moreover, quantum optical devices need to be integrated with wave guide and detector structures. Furthermore, deliberately designed metal nanostructures mark the borderline between classical antenna technology and modern quantum optics. Moreover, novel quantum sensors being developed in atom optics as well as solid state quantum physics need to be integrated into devices and new materials. For example, the recent surge in interest for carbon based quantum electronic and optical systems needs to be followed up by integration into practical microelectronic circuits. Such systems can also be used as ultra-sensitive devices for the integration of different properties (e.g. magnetic and electric ones) in the same quantum-device. The creation of such sensors and of atomic and molecular quantum systems behaving in an almost ideal way and can be reliably measured is an open challenge.
It is intended to establish a novel branch of electrical and optical engineering with strong ties towards fundamental physics investigation and chemical fabrication fostering these developments in Ulm and Stuttgart. Research activities in this area will learn from and incorporate the developments in basic science as well as explore their integration into devices.
Research themes
- Layout, fabrication and characterization of integrated quantum and atom optics circuitry
- Quantum physics at the interface between classical electrical circuits and quantum devices
- High-frequency electrically driven quantum light sources
- Quantum sensing devices: Limits in parameter estimation and their physical realization
- Integration of spin systems into quantum sensing devices
People
Dr. Lapo Bogani, 1. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart
Prof. Dr. Norbert Frühauf, Institute for System Theory and Display Technology, University of Stuttgart
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kern, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart
Prof. Dr. Peter Michler, Institut für Halbleiteroptik und Funktionelle Grenzflächen, Universität Stuttgart
Prof. Dr. Tilman Pfau, 5. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart
Prof. Dr. Tanja Weil, Institute of Organic Chemistry III / Macromolecular Chemistry and Organic Materials
Prof. Dr. Jörg Wrachtrup, 3. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart