CQT Winter School on Light-matter Interaction in Quantum Devices
Published: 20 February 2023
Glasgow College Lecturer Dr Kaveh Delfanazari and a unique 5-day 'Winter School' explore the mind-bending realm of quantum
Quantum technology (QT) will have direct impacts on our lives, climate change and the economy. Training the next generation of skilled quantum scientists and engineers is therefore vital. With this in mind, researchers at the University of Glasgow Centre for Quantum Technology organised a unique 'Winter School' on light-matter interactions in quantum devices which was held at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC) between 30 January and 3rd February 2023. The school was designed for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers and the topics covered the fundamentals of quantum technologies from quantum devices to circuits and systems as building blocks of the four quantum technologies (communication, computing, sensing and imaging).
Dr Kaveh Delfanazari, an academic member of the University of Glasgow College UESTC and a member of the QT Winter School organising committee, presented their team’s latest results in light-matter interactions in hybrid and superconducting nanocircuits. Superconductors are materials that have zero DC and low AC resistance; therefore, superconducting-based devices, circuits and systems are more energy efficient than conventional electronics.
As well as listening to a series of fascinating inter-disciplinary lectures from Dr Delfanazari and other leading UoG academics, students were given the chance to take part in an exciting 'Quantum Synergy Research Challenge'. This was designed to show them directly that "research and innovation’s biggest challenge and reward is the transition of an idea to an application" - the goal being to "find the best interdisciplinary quantum idea and fuel innovation beyond the current state-of-the-art, to solve real-world problems."
Students were asked to design a pitch for a solution from the combined expertise of a 5-member team. On the final day, they were to present these ideas in a maximum of four slides - highlighting the need to be able to summarise their research quickly and effectively to external funders and audiences, in what might otherwise be called an 'elevator pitch'.
In his lecture, Dr Kaveh Delfanazari also spoke about cavity engineering of on chip superconducting lasers. The Winter School was organised by Professor Martin Weides alongside Dr Delfanazari and a committee of leading academics.
Students interested in doing a project in quantum technologies (as an internship, summer school, Final Year Project, Master's or PhD project) can contact Dr Delfanazari directly via email (kaveh.delfanazari@glasgow.ac.uk).
First published: 20 February 2023