ML4Q&A - from the lives of quantum physicists

23. Photonic Quantum Computing: Christine Silberhorn

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. 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

22. Concepts, Chaos, and Cluster Coordination: Alex Altland

In this episode of ML4Q&A, Chris and Mira talk with Alex Altland, theoretical physicist and ML4Q member, about the tension between deep scientific thinking and the administrative reality of coordinating the renewal proposal of ML4Q. As one of the designated spokespersons for ML4Q’s next funding phase, Alex shares behind-the-scenes insights into managing this large-scale effort — just days before the final decision in May 2025. We also explore his enduring fascination with foundational concepts in physics, spanning quantum field theory, quantum chaos, and topological matter. Alongside his research, Alex reflects on the importance of conceptual clarity in teaching, textbook writing, and his path from chemistry (and a brief detour into business consulting) to becoming a deeply theoretical physicist. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:32 Mentors and idols in early career 00:03:07 On being a conceptual physicist 00:06:56 On becoming a professor 00:12:20 First thoughts on quantum information theory 00:15:07 Quantum information theory vs. condensed matter physics 00:17:42 On the impact of quantum computation in physical sciences 00:22:49 On the structure of Clusters of Excellence 00:25:23 New projects within ML4Q – the transmon story 00:31:21 Working on the renewal proposal of ML4Q 00:42:45 On writing a textbook on Condensed Matter Quantum Field Theory 00:49:32 What about universality? 00:53:50 Discussing non-standard symmetry and ongoing Majorana research 01:02:26 On teaching mathematics

21. From Industry back to Academia: Mario Berta

In this episode of ML4Q&A, Chris and Mira are joined by ML4Q Professor Mario Berta, who shares his unique journey from ETH Zürich via Imperial College London and Amazon Web Services to RWTH Aachen University. They discuss his work on quantum algorithms, benchmarking, and bridging the gap between theory and industry, as well as insights into starting a research group and teaching theoretical physics. Tune in to explore Mario’s fascinating career path and hear about the quantum version of Stein’s Lemma! 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:19 Welcome Mario 00:02:39 Getting into quantum mechanics during the diploma thesis 00:05:25 Short hesitation before returning to academia for the PhD 00:08:26 Quantum Information between Physics and Mathematics 00:15:45 On the potentials and limits of quantum information processing 00:17:32 Going to Caltech (IQIM) for a postdoc 00:21:00 Transitioning to work in industry while being at Imperial College 00:23:08 Joining Amazon AWS 00:26:33 Will cloud computing be a viable business? 00:28:28 Possible applications of mathematically driven research 00:35:12 Coming back to academia and joining RWTH 00:37:14 Diving immediately into teaching 00:42:40 Comparing working in industry to academic life as a professor 00:46:10 Getting introduced to quantum cryptography 00:50:08 Thoughts on entanglement 00:53:43 On algorithms and algorithms benchmarking 00:57:33 The Quantum Algorithm Zoo 01:01:17 Thoughts on scalability 01:03:26 Promising quantum linear algebra type of algorithms 01:07:45 On the mathematics of quantum information 01:12:50 The story of revisiting Stein’s lemma 01:18:36 Interested in joining Mario’s group?

20. From Academia to Industry: Frank Wilhelm-Mauch and Jan Goetz

In this special 20th episode of ML4Q&A, Chris and Mira celebrate the journey of the podcast, from its beginnings in 2021 to becoming a platform for exploring quantum careers, research, and innovation. This milestone episode dives into the interplay between academia and industry in quantum technology with two distinguished guests: Jan Goetz, CEO and co-founder of IQM, and ML4Q Member, Frank Wilhelm-Mauch, researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich and co-founder of Qruise. Together, they discuss the complementary roles of academia and industry in advancing quantum technology, shedding light on Europe’s pivotal role in the global quantum landscape. Join us as we look back, celebrate the present, and dive into the future of quantum! 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:48 Jan’s educational journey in Physics 00:06:27 Frank’s career journey 00:10:45 The introduction of DRAG pulses 00:13:49 Joint work between theorists and experimentalists 00:19:16 Jan’s Postdoc time in Finland 00:22:14 Frank’s postdoc work on NMR 00:26:25 Founding IQM 00:36:05 Communication strategies 00:41:39 Founding Qruise 00:47:29 What role do AI and machine learning play in scaling quantum computers? 00:51:46 IQM and Qruise working together 00:54:16 Dig for gold or sell shovels? 00:58:32 A short Q&A on predictions 01:05:29 Academia vs. Start-ups 01:12:17 What do you look for in future employees? 01:17:40 Exit paths for startups 01:20:09 Talking about managing major projects in Jülich 01:24:01 Talking about the role of ML4Q and the latest developments in Jülich

19. Rydberg atoms and dual career challenges: Sebastian Hofferberth

In this episode, Mira and Chris speak to Sebastian Hofferberth about his journey through academia as he literally went from Heidelberg to Harvard, to Stuttgart, then Denmark and finally to Bonn where he became member of ML4Q. We talk about the challenges of this nomadic lifestyle, which almost every longtime academic faces. Of course, Sebastian also explains his work in quantum optics with Rydberg atoms and shares his passion for teaching. He discusses how quantum mechanics (can be) seems non-intuitive at first but can be made more approachable. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:00 Welcome Sebastian 00:03:20 Quantum optics between fundamental and applied research 00:06:22 What are Rydberg atoms? 00:10:25 Reflecting on the PhD project 00:14:11 Working as a postdoc with Mikhail Lukin 00:16:55 Balancing work and family 00:23:20 Moving to Denmark for full professorship and reflecting on dual-career challenges 00:38:42 Back to Germany for the last move 00:42:20 Discussing current research and the Rydberg blockade 00:53:48 Working in the new environment of Bonn and ML4Q 00:59:48 What about Rydberg atom quantum computing? 01:16:00 About EIN Quantum NRW and quantum education