Revolution in quantum research: Paderborn scientists are setting new standards!

Revolution in quantum research: Paderborn scientists are setting new standards!

Scientists of the University of Paderborn have made groundbreaking advances in quantum research. In a new project, a cryogenic circuit was developed that is used to control and manipulate light quanta (photons) much more quickly. This innovation is not only important for quantum computing, but could also have revolutionary applications in communication and simulation.

The results of this research were published in the specialist magazine Optica. Researchers were able to actively manipulate light pulses consisting of individual photons, which was made possible by using a so-called “feedforward operation”. This method allows real-time measurement and control of luminous flux, significantly reducing previous technical limitations that caused time delays in measurement, processing and control. The new technology manages to minimize these delays to less than a quarter of a billionth of a second.

Technical innovations and collaborations

A team led by Dr. Frederik Thiele and Niklas Lamberty from the “Mesoscopic Quantum Optics” working group used state-of-the-art superconducting detectors to precisely measure light quanta. This electronic circuit operated at extremely low temperatures of around -270 degrees Celsius, which was crucial for processing the signals without any significant delay. It was also found that the circuit generates less heat, which is of great importance for operation in cryostats.

Combined under the project name ARCTIC (“Advanced Research on Cryogenic Technologies for Innovative Computing”), the research aims to establish a European supply chain for cryogenic photonics and microelectronics. This project involves around 36 top European research institutes, industrial manufacturing facilities and application partners. Together they are working on the development of scalable ICT microsystems, which are of central importance for the quantum computing industry.

Perspectives for quantum communication

The rapid and precise control of photons not only has implications for quantum computing, but also opens up promising perspectives for quantum communication. This technology enables tap-proof exchange of keys for encoding security-relevant information. In contrast to algorithmic cryptography methods, the security of quantum communication is based on the physical principles of quantum entanglement and the superposition principle. Fraunhofer IOF, which works with partners from industry and business, develops the foundations for quantum communication systems and optical link technologies.

The QuNET project plays a special role here, the aim of which is to use quantum communication in high-security networks. In the first phase of the project, a key experiment will be carried out, which includes, among other things, a technology demonstrator that enables a secure connection between two buildings via a free-beam optical link. These developments could significantly increase security standards in modern communications.

Advances in cryogenics and quantum communications not only represent a technical milestone, they also demonstrate the possibilities inherent in the next generation of quantum processors and ICT applications. Collaboration between research institutions and industry will be crucial to continue developing these technologies and bringing them into applications.