The “second quantum revolution” will transform our world. Be it computers, communication, sensors, imaging or simulation: new solutions from the quantum world are maturing at breakneck speed. Governments around the world are investing billions in funding programs to help shape the quantum revolution. Laser World of Photonics 2019 brings together leading technology providers and top players in the quantum research field. Application panels and the Congress provide visitors with the latest first-hand quantum knowhow.
Six million euros funding for a clock that is a second out? At first blush, that sounds incredible. Because what it means is a one second accuracy over the age of the universe. This is precisely the intended degree of precision of a single-ion clock being developed by the Opticlock project. The ultra-accurate clock is based on a single ytterbium ion trapped and laser-cooled in an ion trap. The project aims to create a compact clock functioning outside the laboratory. It could be used to synchronize data networks or radio telescopes and enable more accurate Earth observation measurements of differences in elevation or optimized timescales for improved GPS or GALILEO satellite navigation.
It is no coincidence that half a dozen Laser World of Photonics exhibitors, Toptica, Menlo Systems, QUBIG, VACOM the Physikalisch-Technischs Bundesanstalt and the Forschungsverbund Berlin are involved in the Opticlock project. Because photonics manufacturers and research institutes are enabling the second quantum revolution. In the last few decades they have developed the necessary ultra accurate tools and know-how required to translate quantum physics insights into industrial applications.
Billions for quantum technology—community meets in Munich
As with the Opticlock project, the players are attracting research funding big time. For example, the European Union is making a billion euros available to the Quantum Flagship initiative. The US government is announcing a similarly endowed funding program, and China is even investing ten billion euros in a national quantum research center. South Korea, Germany, Great Britain and other countries have announced lavishly funded programs to ensure they play an active part in the anticipated quantum revolution.
From June 24 to 27, 2019 Munich will be a hotspot of the global quantum community. Highly specialized exhibitors such as Single Quantum and PicoQuant will be showcasing high resolution single photon counters in time and space as key quantum technology components. ID Quantique (IDQ) showcases quantum-cryptographic solutions underpinning South Korean company SK Telecom’s 5G mobile phone network and a new, ultra-secure quantum communication network in Great Britain. As part of the EU Flagship initiative, Laser Quantum from Manchester contributes high-frequency femtosecond lasers for developing on-chip quantum light sources for simulation, communication, metrology and sensor technology. Research associations such as the British Quantum Technology Hub QuantIC, a network of more than 120 researchers from various universities and more than 30 companies, will also be represented. Also among the exhibitors is the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, the driving force behind the new Jena Innovation Center for Quantum Optics and Sensor Technology. The same goes for the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF, which is showcasing quantum cascade lasers in action, together with spectrally tunable (4-11 µm) quantum cascade lasers, and new quantum magnetometry approaches.
First-hand knowledge updates
Laser World of Photonics 2019 will bring the quantum community’s pioneering spirit to life on numerous fronts. For example, in the form of Application Panels on the role of optical quantum technologies in imaging and communication as well as in sensor technology and computing. A further first-hand knowledge update opportunity is afforded by the European Quantum Electronics Conference as part of the World of Photonics Congress. In addition to lectures by leading international researchers, Prof Anton Zeilinger will give an insight into the latest research by the Austrian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Vienna.
Photonics is driving the second quantum revolution at full speed. Scheduling a visit to the trade fair in Munich from June 24–27, 2019 is a must for anyone wanting to get a full picture of the upheavals
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