Quantum Technologies Of The Future: Munich Quantum Valley Brings Its Event Series To MPL

Munich Quantum Valley (MQV), funded by the Bavarian High-Tech Agenda, emerged from a collaboration among seven major Bavarian research institutes – including the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL). As part of the event “MQV Insights – What Quantum Physics Has to Do with Time, Noise, AI, and Communication” on October 29, the public learned how scientists at MPL are using AI to improve quantum computers while simultaneously developing quantum mechanical methods to secure data transmission despite the enormous computing power of quantum computers. In addition, visitors to the research laboratories gained direct insights into the scientists’ work.

Whether it’s health or banking data – sensitive information may no longer be adequately protected by today’s encryption methods in the near future. That is why intensive research is underway to determine how data can be securely transmitted and stored. In addition to novel software algorithms, a promising approach is “Quantum Key Distribution” (QKD) – a method whose core objective is the long-term security of secret key generation using quantum physics. Scientists at MPL and FAU, led by Prof. Christoph Marquardt, are investigating the underlying technologies. Since 2019, the researchers – in collaboration with universities and industry partners – have been advancing the nationwide QuNET project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, to establish a test infrastructure for quantum communication between Bavaria, Thuringia, and Berlin. The QuKomIn project, funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy as part of the MQV, enables the transmission of quantum states across Bavaria.

The network was officially activated at the end of October – an exciting time for participants in the MQV event series to visit MPL. Among other things, Prof. Christoph Marquardt explained the fundamentals of quantum key distribution and the role the Erlangen Application Laboratory plays in the test infrastructure.

“It is currently assumed that existing encryption methods will remain secure for about three to four more years; after that, they will become increasingly vulnerable. However, experience shows that it takes about 10 years for quantum-secure cryptography – that is, a new type of encryption method encompassing both software and hardware – to be fully developed and rolled out. That is why it is important to address this issue early on,” explains Christoph Marquardt. “The nationwide test network for quantum encryption is an important step toward further advancing Germany’s position in the field of quantum technologies.”

The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Florian Marquardt, Director at MPL and Head of the Theory Division. He shed light on the quantum mechanical principles that enable quantum computers to decode algorithms with a high degree of efficiency. However, according to Florian Marquardt, quantum computers are also highly prone to errors. During the lecture, he presented novel strategies developed by his research department: the goal is to improve the control of quantum computers through the development and training of neural networks.

The scientists at MPL cover a wide range of quantum research. Dr. Pascal Del’Haye’s research group develops photonic chips, which use quantum light to transmit and store data. Particularly relevant to quantum communication is the ability to generate two-photon states on a chip. Following the technical presentations, visitors had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight during a lab tour.

Prof. Maria Chekhova and her team from the “Quantum Radiation” research group also opened their lab that evening. Here, participants learned about the advantages of entangled photons generated from metasurfaces: this allows the creation of extremely precise quantum states.

Research in Prof. Birgit Stiller’s lab focuses on the interaction of light waves with sound waves. The scientists are using the different propagation speeds to develop quantum technologies and neuromorphic computing.

About Munich Quantum Valley and the event series
Munich Quantum Valley is a registered association that combines research, technology development, and educational initiatives in the field of quantum technology in Bavaria. It is funded by the Free State of Bavaria as part of the High-Tech Agenda Bavaria. In the event series “MQV Insights – Experience Quantum Sciences Up Close,” the MQV’s member institutes, startups, and industry partners open their doors. They invite attendees to experience, through lectures, lab tours, and institute tours, what it means to conduct quantum science and develop quantum technologies.