Paderborn University Receives Funding for International Research Center for Photonic Quantum Computing

(HPCWire) Paderborn University has received funding for an “International Research Center for Photonic Quantum Computing”. With this effort, scientists are taking an interdisciplinary approach to creating a photonic quantum computer. The Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MKW NRW) is creating scope for developing forward-looking research topics and sustainably boosting the competitiveness of the institutions involved.
Around a million euros in annual funding are being provided per project. Building on available strengths, potential areas will be expanded to help further develop the research profile.
Over the next three to five years, the foundations will be laid for developing photonic quantum computing into a practicable hardware platform and a key cornerstone of high-performance computing (HPC). Over the subsequent five to seven years, work will be undertaken to expand the scalability of the relevant systems, integrate quantum computing into traditional computing platforms and HPC systems in particular, and significantly augment algorithmic technologies for photonic quantum computing.
The initiative includes scientists from the Faculty of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics and the Faculty of Science, primarily within the Department of Physics, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and the fields of pure and applied mathematics. The targeted combination of various different core competencies will enable the systematic development of the research field of photonic quantum computing and the creation of new synergies that go far beyond the capacities of the individual disciplines. This establishment of new structures to transfer the topic from fundamental physics research into engineering research activities is virtually unique in the German research landscape. Prof. Birgitt Riegraf is very proud of this: ‘Pooling various different disciplines produces concentrated agglomerations of research strengths based on the exceptional skill and years of experience offered by outstanding researchers. This success, making Paderborn’s research even more visible on an international stage, is fantastic.’
Another primary element is training researchers in all aspects of quantum technologies with ‘quantum computing’ as the core focus. To this end, an interdisciplinary graduate college is to be established that can train a new generation of researchers. Silberhorn: “This is an opportunity for us to establish ourselves as the first designated location for quantum photonics engineers, taking particular care to ensure equal opportunities for both male and female researchers in Germany.” Another goal will also be to establish an interdisciplinary master’s program in Quantum Computing.