Paderborn research: USA marvel at Europe's largest quantum computer!

Paderborn research: USA marvel at Europe's largest quantum computer!

On May 22, 2025, Preeti V. Shah, Consul General at the US Consulate in Düsseldorf, visited the University of Paderborn and received valuable insights into the progress of quantum research. In collaboration with University of Paderborn There were presentations by Prof. Dr. Christine Silberhorn and Prof. Dr. Matthias Bauer organized the event, which highlighted the impressive developments in the field of photonic quantum computing.

The delegation had the opportunity to visit the new building of the “Photonic Quantum Systems Laboratory” (PhoQS Lab). Here, the university's scientists have developed an important quantum computer: the “Paderborn Quantum Sampler” (PaQS), which is based on the concept of Gaussian boson sampling (GBS). With a funding amount of around 50 million euros, the project brings together 13 partners from science and industry and represents a key initiative to bring Germany to the forefront of the international competition for photonic quantum computing.

Innovative strength and international cooperation

Shah was visibly impressed by the innovative strength of the University of Paderborn. She also emphasized the importance of international collaborations for scientific progress. These relationships extend across several universities and scientific institutions in the USA, which gives the University of Paderborn a valuable perspective in the global context of research.

The PhoQS Lab offers optimal conditions for quantum research. The 1,000 square meter clean room area, which was given the top rating of “outstanding” by the Science Council, ensures an extremely clean environment. The control of temperature, humidity and freedom from particles is implemented precisely here, which is essential for sophisticated quantum research.

Technological developments in focus

The concept of Gaussian boson sampling, central to the work in the PhoQS Lab, describes a special approach to photonic quantum computation. In GBS, the preparation of a multi-modal Gaussian state and the subsequent measurement takes place in the Fock basis. This method has the potential to solve tasks that cannot be simulated in polynomial time for classical computers, such as applications in quantum chemistry, graph optimization or molecular docking. Loud Strawberry Fields GBS aims to exploit the model's unique computing power for useful applications.

The latest development by the Paderborn researchers also includes innovative approaches to using “squeezed light” as a quantum resource for Gaussian boson sampling algorithms. This technology enables a variety of algorithms that can be implemented with just a few lines of code thanks to an easy-to-use application layer. This is particularly notable because the GBS devices are programmed and the results are processed semi-automatically using integrated functions.

Outlook for the future

With the PaQS, the University of Paderborn has not only implemented Europe's largest sampling-based quantum computer, but has also taken a decisive step in the development of light-based quantum technologies. The target groups are not only basic research, but also applications in the energy transition and tap-proof communication. The team wants to further develop the systems to enable more complex calculations and investigate future devices.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the results of this research and the development of photonic quantum computers are of great importance not only technologically but also socially. The University of Paderborn is making a significant contribution to positioning Germany in the field of quantum computing and opening up new perspectives for a variety of applications.