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University of Stuttgart is further expanding its expertise in quantum technologies
The new Emmy Noether junior research group “Quantum Network Nodes” was launched at the beginning of the year. It focuses on research in the fields of quantum computing and quantum communication and is headed by physicist Dr. Stephan Welte, who has acquired funding of 1.9 million euros for the project.
"The funding for the new Emmy Noether Group will allow me to further expand my research, both in terms of personnel and technical equipment," says Dr. Stephan Welte. Since last summer, the physicist has been leading a junior research group on quantum photonics at the University of Stuttgart, which is funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. Both research groups are based at the 5th Institute of Physics.
"The University of Stuttgart provides an ideal environment for our team's research, combining a wealth of experimental and theoretical expertise," says Dr. Stephan Welte. There is also the Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, IQST, based in Ulm and Stuttgart, where Welte is also a fellow: “This network brings together leading groups focused on quantum computing and quantum communication. This holds a lot of potential for cooperation and knowledge exchange.”
Computing and communication in an experiment
Welte and his team are researching computing and information transfer with qubits. To this end, they are building a quantum computer that can then be connected to other quantum computers via a network. Qubits are the smallest units of information on which the function of quantum computers and quantum networks is based. On the basis of qubits, certain tasks can not only be calculated faster, but information can also be transmitted securely. By connecting multiple quantum computers through suitable network interfaces, a secure and tap-proof quantum internet can be established.
In his experiment, Welte's team will use atoms as qubits. “To do this, we have to be able to position and address the atoms individually in a very controlled manner in a space between two highly reflective mirrors,” explains Welte. The mirrors are only half a millimeter apart. In the experiment, the atoms emit individual photons, which can be measured individually using highly efficient detectors. The acquisition of these highly efficient detectors has been made possible by Emmy Noether funding.
The team uses laser light, so-called 'optical tweezers', to precisely control the atomic qubits between the two mirrors: A laser beam is shaped in such a way that it traps individual atoms in the desired positions. The experiment takes place in a vacuum, at extremely low temperatures.
The development of the research group is progressing at full speed
Welte's team currently consists of two doctoral students, one Master's and one Bachelor's student and a student assistant. The Emmy Noether funding will enable the group to expand its team, with plans to add a postdoctoral position and a third doctoral position. There are also open projects for Bachelor's and Master's theses. "Since we are building our experiment from the ground up, we can offer a broad range of tasks," says Dr. Stephan Welte, "including areas such as optics, electronics design, and programming."
About Dr. Stephan Welte
Stephan Welte (36) studied physics in Freiburg and earned his doctorate in Munich in 2019, completing his thesis at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics. He remained there as a postdoc, before moving to ETH Zurich in 2022. In August 2024, Welte became head of the new CZS Junior Research Group for Quantum Photonics at the University of Stuttgart. Since January 2025, he has been leading an Emmy Noether research group focused on quantum network nodes.
About the Emmy Noether Program
The Emmy Noether Program of the German Research Foundation (DFG) provides exceptionally qualified young researchers with the opportunity to qualify for a university professorship by independently leading a junior research group for a period of six years.
Dr. Stephan Welte, Head of the Emmy Noether Research Group Quantum Network Node and the CZS Junior Research Group for Quantum Photonics, University of Stuttgart, 5th Institute of Physics, tel.: +49 711 685-60149, email: stephan.welte@pi5.uni-stuttgart.de
https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/university/news/all/New-Emmy-Noether-Group-for-q...
https://www.pi5.uni-stuttgart.de/research/quantum-network-node/
https://www.pi5.uni-stuttgart.de/
https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/research/profile/quantum-technologies/
Dr. Stephan Welte´s research focuses on the topics quantum computing and quantum internet.
Uli Regenscheit
University of Stuttgart
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