Unveiling Quantum Photonics: Insights from the EPIC Meeting at TOPTICA
Quantum is a hot topic and Photonics is the key of quantum technology. In particular, photonics integrated circuits drive the heart of quantum advancements, as showcased at the EPIC Industrial Quantum Photonics Technology Meeting held at TOPTICA. Gathering over 60 attendees for a dynamic two-day event, we delved into four key application domains poised for a paradigm shift: quantum communication, quantum synchronization, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. Distinguished industry leaders and representatives of Academia shared their profound insights, igniting vibrant discussions and laying the groundwork for potential collaborations.
Here you have a summary of some of the discussed topics. Here’s a summary of the discussed topics. You can download the available presentations and view all the event photos on our Flickr album.
TOPTICA – Stephan Ritter, Director Applications Quantum Technologies
He gave the Keynote on quantum Networks and explained that Quantum Networks have an enormous application potential that is not yet even theoretically fully explored. Quantum memories are at the heart of what we call the quantum intellect, which is technology beyond QKD, but the memories are also at the heart of quantum computing for example. So, from the perspective of a dedicated laser provider like TOPTICA, those applications require the same laser and photonics systems.
Fraunhofer HHI – Martin Schell, Executive Director
“There is a promising future for photonic integrated circuits in the realm of quantum technologies. This potential extends from quantum communication to various enabling technologies and quantum computing. Photonic integrated circuits come in a wide range of varieties, each designed to serve specific purposes. As we explore the capabilities of quantum superposition states, we find that qubits can become entangled within single photons, affecting their polarization, direction, frequency, wave packet, or spatial mode.”
SESSION 2: QUANTUM SYNCHRONIZATION
TOPTICA – Jürgen Stuhler, Vice President Quantum Technologies
“Lasers are the key ingredients for quantum technologies and the requirements are all wavelengths narrow linewidth and high power, and this is true for all kinds of quantum systems: quantum computers and quantum metrology.”
CSEM – Andreas Voelker, Head of Research & BD Photonics (Switzerland)
“He presented quantum applications based on photonic technologies at CSEM. His work primarily centered around rubidium cell technology, which serves as a platform for various quantum sensing applications. Among these, the most notable is the atomic clock. During his presentation, he delved into the role of photonics and optical components in these applications. He also discussed specific photonic components crucial for quantum applications, such as LNOI PICs, which serve as core building blocks for photonic quantum computation.”
SESSION 3: QUANTUM COMPUTING
Quix Quantum – Caterina Taballione, Commercial & Partnership Lead
The image that Quix Quantum wants to propose of the quantum computers is an image of a scalable quantum computer, not the huge and cryogenic devices, but something that is integrated on chip and scalable as being modular. So build on the excellence of integrated photonics that can really bring forward the field of quantum computing.
SESSION 4: QUANTUM SENSING
Q.ANT – Robert Roelver, Head of Sensing
“We are working on quantum sensors which are soon market-ready and people can exploit them. Their working principle is the diamond magnetometers that detect red fluorescence under irradiation with green light and resonant microwaves. Quantum-based magnetic sensors combine high resolution on a small footprint and open new applications in the human-machine interfacing.”
FEMTOprint – Laser-based 3D Micro-manufacturing of High Precision Components for Quantum Photonics – Rolando Ferrini, Chief Regional Officer & Head of FEMTOprint Neuchâtel (Switzerland)
“The contribution of FEMTOprint into the world of quantum photonics is focused on the one hand on high-precision glass micro-components for packaging and, on the other hand, on the production of ion traps. For the latter aspect, we do produce glass ion trap chips containing cavities, trenches, and customized edges, which we can then functionalize with electrical connections. As for the first topic, we focus on a down-to-the-earth issue such as components for packaging, which are meant to help filling the gap between a quantum photonic chip and a real product device. Our glass micro-components are meant for fiber-to-chip connectivity, an application field, where FEMTOprint is strengthening its position and offer.”
To go deeper into the topic, you can read the article “Quantum sensors making waves across europe” published in Photonics Views, where Ivan Nikitski features some of the speakers like Bosch, Exail, GLOPhotonics, Q.ANT, Qnami and FEMTOprint.
The networking dinner at Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige offered a laid-back atmosphere for fostering meaningful connections and sparking valuable discussions.
During our stay in Munich, we had the privilege of visiting companies at the forefront of quantum technology, including Excelitas, Attocube, and Thorlabs. We extend our sincere gratitude to these hosts for opening their facilities to us, with special appreciation to Attocube for providing a wonderful networking lunch.
In summary, quantum photonics technology emerges as a pivotal and versatile cornerstone within the quantum technology landscape. Photonics empowers the development of highly sensitive quantum sensors, underpins quantum communications that rely on the properties of light, and holds the promise of superior performance in photonic quantum computing, shaping a bright and promising future.
