We are excited to have our first external guest on the show. Steven Koester, Professor of Nanotechnology in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, is joining us mainly as the Director of the Global Quantum Leap program – a network of networks including ML4Q – which provides an essential linkage between the fields of nanofabrication and quantum information sciences on an international level.
Steve and Chris talk about Steve’s electrical engineering background, how he got a first taste of quantum devices during his Masters studies at Notre Dame, eventually leading to his PhD work on indium arsenide. They also discuss his industry experience working at IBM.
But as a main topic, he introduces the Global Quantum Leap program and the cultural exchange it fosters in order to tackle big global challenges as in the field of quantum computing.
Steve visited Germany this summer together with three students who took part in the IRTE funding line (International Research and Training Experience) being hosted by the groups of Markus Müller, Lars Schreiber and Christoph Stampfer at RWTH Aachen University. ML4Q members and associated members are also encouraged to plan ad-hoc research-specific exchanges and visit institutions from the GQL network on an individual level.
Listen here to the full podcast episode with Steve or using your podcatcher.
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:40 Welcome Steve
00:02:47 first taste of quantum devices during Masters studies at Notre Dame
00:04:40 PhD studies at the interphase of nanofabrication, quantum physics and electrical engineering
00:07:20 studying quantum mechanics with an electrical engineering background
00:09:42 challenges with material growth of indium arsenide
00:13:46 joining IBM as a postdoc working on silicon germanium
00:18:34 integrating silicon germanium in CMOS
00:24:00 becoming professor at University of Minnesota after 14 years at IBM and working on 2D materials
00:30:35 taking on the role of the director of the Nano Facility
00:39:03 Global Quantum Leap – the network of networks
00:41:45 possibilities of funding exchange within GQL
00:48:05 partnering up with industrial R&D departments to tackle upscaling challenges
Alex Jahn – who is not only a talented web designer and a great podcast editor but obviously a gifted illustrator – captured Chris, Steve and Marian while recording:
