Photonic Quantum Technologies – A Revolution in Communication, Sensing, and Metrology

In 2016 the quantum satellite ‘Micius’ started its successful mission, while in the same year scientists reported the first observation of gravitational waves using detectors whose sensitivity is currently enhanced exploiting squeezed states of light. Both stories impressively illustrate the transition from basic research in quantum optics to applications of photonic quantum technologies, which will have large impact to our daily life.

In this light our seminar brings together experts and next generation scientists to jointly review and discuss the state-of-the-art in photonic quantum technologies from an application-driven viewpoint. The seminar scope hereby covers the subfields of quantum communication, quantum metrology, and quantum sensing together with crosscutting challenges relevant for all subfields. In the quantum communications section of our seminar, we will discuss recent implementations and protocols for quantum key distribution, quantum communication networks and repeaters. Novel approaches such as continuous variables and device-independent schemes will be of particular interest as well as satellite-/airborne-based QKD field experiments. The quantum sensing and metrology sections include the topics of quantum imaging, quantum-enhanced super-sensitivity as well as quantum-enhanced interferometry and the realization of new standards based on quantum effects. An own section of our seminar is devoted particularly to the development of efficient and novel quantum light sources, detectors and quantum memories, representing cross-cutting challenges overarching all subfields. The application driven scope of the seminar is reflected in an industry session on Wednesday evening. Here, invited industry representatives discuss prospects and challenges for the commercialization of photonic quantum technologies in the format of a panel discussion moderated jointly by the organizers.

We invite experts and next generation scientists at all career stages to join this exciting seminar on photonic quantum technologies. Help us shaping the second quantum revolution…

The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.