In this episode of ML4Q&A, host Mira Sharma, an associated member of the Matter and Light for Quantum Computing (ML4Q) Cluster, chats with one of the leading voices in experimental quantum optics – Professor Christine Silberhorn from the University of Paderborn.
Christine’s groundbreaking work in integrated quantum optical systems has earned her numerous prestigious awards. She’s also a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of North Rhine-Westphalia and was appointed to the German Science Council in 2023. Her research focuses on making photonic quantum computing scalable and practical – using light particles, or “flying qubits,” to push the boundaries of quantum communication.
In this conversation, Christine shares how photonic quantum systems can be integrated on a chip, why education in quantum science needs fresh thinking as well as her personal journey in academia and research.
Listen to the full podcast episode with Christine here or using your podcatcher.
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:18 On quantum optics and photonics: fundamental and technology-oriented
00:07:40 Getting into academic research
00:12:05 Research hubs vs. excellency of individual researchers
00:13:44 PhoQS and ML4Q
00:16:58 The Women for Quantum Manifesto of Values
00:31:00 Current research on integrating photonics on chips
00:40:34 Photonic Quantum Computing compared to other platforms
00:47:43 On the different components of photonic quantum computers
00:57:10 The PhoQuant project
00:59:18 Thoughts on management, community service and education
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