EUR 2.7 Million for Quantum Research and Technology
Publishing Date:
Second joint call of FWF and FFG provides for funding of five projects in the field of quantum research
At its meeting on March 9, 2020, the FWF Board took a decision regarding the second call for proposals for “Quantum Research and Technology” (QFTE), which the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) is carrying out jointly with the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). The FWF and the FFG each received four project submissions. In their final decisions, the FWF approved two projects and the FFG three.
QFTE 2020
The QFTE track was created with the aim of bringing quantum research findings closer to practical applications and of strengthening their technological utilization. The funds are provided by the Austrian National Foundation for Research, Technology and Development.
The two QFTE projects approved by the FWF, each with a total funding amount of around three hundred thousand euros, are as follows:
“A MEMS-based ion hub in a quantum network”
Principal investigator: Tracy Northup, University of Innsbruck, Institute for Experimental Physics
This project sets out to develop an interface between two elementary building blocks that could make up a future quantum network: trapped (and therefore stationary) ions and (mobile) photons. The project will test a miniaturized system integrating a fibre cavity and a surface trap for ions. This system is expected to enable quantum mechanical entanglement between ions and photons and the transfer of quantum mechanical states. Another question the project intends to answer is whether the performance of such a microsystem can compete with existing, significantly larger systems.
“Integrated Quantum Distance Measurement”
Principal investigator: Gregor Weihs, University of Innsbruck, Institute for Experimental Physics
This project seeks to improve the distance measurement of terrestrial objects even under daylight conditions by using light sources for photon pairs. For this purpose, the researcher sets out to develop a prototype of a measuring device with integrated optical elements, which will include both the light source and the optical fibres. The prototype is to be tested in real-life environments.
The Austrian Science Fund FWF
The FWF is Austria’s central funding organisation for basic research as well as arts-based research. Applying international quality benchmarks, the FWF provides funding for outstanding research projects and excellent researchers who work to generate, broaden and deepen scientific knowledge.
Contact:
Marc Seumenicht
Dep. Head of Communications, Spokesman
scilog.fwf.ac.at | @FWF_at | @FWFOpenAccess