To tackle these challenges, Dr. Christian Haffner seeks to bridge the gap between superconducting and photonic qubits by developing integrated quantum converters to trigger the development of large-scale quantum networks. To realize efficient converters, he will utilize the freedom of mobility provided by the Branco Weiss Fellowship to bring together experts from fundamental research and advanced engineering. In this way, he will take advantage of chemically engineered electro-optical materials which are tailored for cryogenic temperatures to design and fabricate novel device concepts with the help of cavity quantum electro-dynamics and advanced nanofabrication methods. The research will initially focus on classic optical readout of cryogenic quantum computers. The aim then will be to demonstrate room temperature photonic quantum communication between two separate quantum computers. With this work, Dr. Haffner hopes to translate the converter technology from the laboratory into a real-world innovation. It would enable cloud-based quantum computing that can be accessed by anyone to develop new drugs or optimize the use of limited resources.
This could help new quantum information technologies find their way into our daily lives and thus help solve our man-made problems. For instance, the global increase in populism is giving rise to an atmosphere that undermines the outcome of elections the trust in our democracy. A global quantum internet could provide an election system that guarantees one hundred percent data security.
