Quantum technologies are currently on everyone's lips. Hardly a week goes by without current announcements being communicated in electronics and technology portals about the latest results, developments, trends or expectations. The underlying research activities at universities, in the research departments of large companies or in scientific institutes are running at full speed. So what is leading to this suddenly perceptible upswing and what significance can this have for all of us?
First of all, the idea of using quantum effects is not new. As early as the 1970s, superconducting sensors and detectors were used to exploit quantum phenomena in order to extend metrological limits into areas that were not accessible at the time. Thus, design support work for superconducting quantum interferometers was carried out in working groups of the then TH Ilmenau (Department of Theoretical Electrical Engineering) for numerous national and European laboratories since the 1980s. At this time, the first international thoughts also emerged on how information processing could be possible with the special properties of quantum objects.
After years of searching for suitable physical structures for practical implementation and their interconnection, the status of what has been achieved is such that the threshold of applicability also seems to have been reached or exceeded in the field of quantum computing. This confidence has prompted major companies and governmental organizations worldwide - for example, the German government's Future Strategy for Research and Innovation until 2025 and the preceding High-Tech Strategy 2025 - to invest massively in the development of the new quantum technologies. Specifically, this involves the domains of quantum sensor technology, quantum computing and quantum communication. What they have in common as a novel feature is that the effects achieved are produced by manipulating individual quantum objects. This stage of development is referred to as second-generation quantum technology.
Whoever succeeds in mastering these technologies will in all probability have better production processes, further optimized products, more efficient logistics, energy distribution, route planning, secure communication and transaction processes, as well as better sensors for use, for example, in medical diagnostics, non-destructive materials testing, security technology or geophysical exploration.
For practical implementation, either optical or superconducting to hybrid circuits have emerged from this as particularly promising. TU Ilmenau is strengthening its activities in this direction by appointing Dr. Ronny Stolz, head of the Quantum Systems Research Department at the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (Leibniz-IPHT) Jena, as a proven and experienced expert in this field as honorary professor for quantum engineering.
In previous joint research activities of the Leibniz-IPHT with the TU Ilmenau, several innovative instruments using quantum effects have already been produced and transferred to commercialization. With the appointment now made, the research direction and the cooperation between Ilmenau and Jena shall be put on a higher level and thus further intensified. Above all, it is intended to pass on the knowledge and experience to the students. Since fall 2021, it has been possible to study quantum engineering in depth in the master's degree program in electrical engineering and information technology at the TU Ilmenau. Thus, interested students can be optimally prepared for a professional employment in the future field of application of quantum technologies.
Source: Prof. Hannes Töpfer, Dr. Ronny Stolz