In this project, we intend to develop theoretically and demonstrate experimentally a novel platform for analog quantum computation with polaritonic qubits.
Exciton-polaritons are hybrid light-matter quasiparticles resulting from the strong coupling of semiconductor excitons and microcavity photons. In our system, a condensate of exciton-polaritons is confined by a spatially-patterned pump laser in an annular trap that supports counter-circulating vortex state of the polariton superfluid. The vortex states are coupled by the trap potential ellipticity and external control laser beam, and the qubit basis states correspond to the two orthogonal eigenstates of the system. By engineering the potential and control laser pulses, we will tune the energies of the qubit basis states, initialize the qubit in the desired state, and perform arbitrary single qubit operations.
We will next construct two- or more qubits on the same substrate and realize controllable interactions between such qubits to implement quantum gates and algorithms analogous to quantum computation with standard qubits. We will finally demonstrate scalability of this system to a larger number of qubits and characterize their coherences and controllability.
The project will be implemented by a very capable and dedicated team of senior and young researchers, while the results of the project will have significant scientific impact, attracting broad interest of academic community, as well as technological impact, advancing the development of quantum technologies and the accompanying instrumentation for precision control and sensitive measurements.
The main objectives of the QuComPol project are:
- to realize a polaritonic analog qubit with long coherence time;
- to realize arbitrary single qubit operations which amount to state rotations about the x,y, and z axes of the Bloch sphere;
- to realize two- or more such qubits with good reproducibility of the qubit properties – transition frequency, coherence time, state initialization and control;
- to develop and demonstrate controlled coupling and quantum gates – such as controlled-Z and iSWAP – between such qubits;
- to perform a proof-of-principle demonstration of an elementary quantum algorithm – e.g. Deutsch or Grover – with such qubits.
Principal Investigator
Students
- Theory and numerical simulations of the dynamics of a polaritonic qubit analog
- Experimental demonstration of qubit initialization and high-fidelity quantum gates
- Experimental realization of two coupled qubits and their controlled interaction
- Simulation of an elementary quantum algorithm with polaritonic qubits
Funding
To: 31/10/2025 14:00
This work has developed from recent research funded by the Netherlands Institute for Conservation Art and Science (NICAS) into the blackening of the decorative enamel on excavated Chinese porcelain, and specifically the porcelain recovered from the 1751 Geldermalsen shipwreck.
Initial comparative analysis of the composition and morphology of the blackened enamels using microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis and Raman spectroscopy determined that the green lead-copper enamels were particarly suceptible blackening and variaitons were related to the w% of the main chemical components: copper and lead. The blackening was determined to be a physicochemical change that occurs due to very specific anaerobic microbiological conditions in which the objects were buried resulting in a transformation to lead and copper sulfide and sulfate.
It was decided to undertake re-firing experiments to gain insight into the original firing process as well as see in how far it was possible to retrieve the origional green enamel colour, the decoration being an important factor in determining the historical context of such finds. During the re-firing experiments the initial colour changes that occurred with the green enamels at 600˚C, 700˚C and 800˚C were related to different forms of lead oxide that were formed. Between 850 and 900˚C the lead flux was seen to melt, and the enamels became again green. However, at this temperature the surrounding porcelain glaze was found to be adversely affected with the development of microscopic extrusions on the surface and localised changes to the glaze gloss.
The aim of the current project at IESL-FORTH is to find a less destructive and more sustainable method to restore the original colour and therefore the aesthetic value of blackened enamels by localised laser irradiation.
To: 30/10/2025 14:00
Quantum Optics focuses on diverse phenomena in light-matter interactions, where the quantum properties of light and matter play an important role. Quantum technology is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field, which bridges physics, computer science, and engineering. Over the past decades, quantum-optical systems have become key enablers and driving forces of quantum technology applications.
In this talk, I will present an accessible overview of my research activities in Quantum Optics and Quantum Technology, covering topics such as the interaction of free-electron-laser radiation with atoms, the engineering of quantum networks and reliable quantum-state transfer, quantum cryptography, and physical unclonable functions.
To: 16/10/2025 16:00
In contrast to other main group elements, group VI elements are rarely observed to form long linear polymer main chains. We reported the synthesis and characterizations of polytelluroxane, a polymer with an inorganic backbone constituted of tellurium and oxygen, which may bridge the gap between inorganic oxides and macromolecules. Because of its unique molecular structure, polytelluroxane is a transparent ultraviolet protection optical material and reveals a photocatalytic activity comparable with commercial catalysts. Te, excluding noble gases (Xe, Rn) and radioactive elements (At), exhibits the highest absorption of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, therefore polytelluroxane act as the ideal formulation for EUV photoresist. Moreover, polytelluroxane exhibited effective closed-loop recyclability with a recycle efficiency around 90% and a recycle number over 10. This work provided a prospective candidate for the development of flexible polymer devices and sustainable functional materials.
Position Description
The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (IESL-FORTH), in the framework of the project EnterBio, (Call: HORIZON-EIC-2023-PATHFINDEROPEN-01, GA 101129720) funded under – EISMEA- European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, is seeking to recruit one (1) master candidate.
Job Description
Imaging of drug release in nervous tissue
Required Qualifications
- BSc degree in Physics or Materials Science
- Diploma thesis in drug release
- Experience in Biomedical Engineering projects
- Proven knowledge of English language
Application Procedure
In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Application Form (please download file from the job announcement webpage (https://www.iesl.forth.gr/en/jobs-bids/jobs/job-positions)
- Brief CV
- Scanned copies of academic titles
- Certificate of enrollment in a MsC program
Any application received after the deadline will not be considered for the selection
Please send your application and all documents to: hr@iesl.forth.gr and cc the Scientific supervisor marked in the left column
