Michael Zopf's tenure-track professorship in "Experimental Quantum Photonics" at Leibniz Universität Hannover aims to revolutionize single photon technology for secure quantum communication and sensitive quantum sensors. The proposal "Colloidal Quantum Dots Reimagined - From Single Light Quanta to Photonic Integrated Chips (CLICS)" explores the potential of colloidal quantum dots in quantum photonics. Recent advances in the synthesis of these nanostructures have led to improved stability and efficiency (particularly for perovskite-based materials), which is crucial for practical quantum technology applications.
The project will address challenges such as achieving robust entanglement and quantum coherence using low temperature spectroscopy and quantum optical characterization techniques. It will also develop photonic structures such as optical microcavities and waveguides to optimize light-
matter interactions. The ultimate goal is to create a versatile quantum photonic platform that can be demonstrated through experiments such as superradiance in integrated photonic chips, paving the way for next-generation technologies.
The research will be supported by the development of a virtual research environment with unified experiment and data management, as well as the implementation of novel teaching methods, which are crucial for the often unintuitive concepts of quantum physics. The proposed work will give impetus to the new
professorship, taking advantage of the robust quantum optics and solid state physics environment at the University and contributing to the University's strategic focus on cutting-edge quantum research and integration. It will also foster collaborations within the research ecosystem of Lower Saxony, in particular with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt and the Technical University of Braunschweig.