Hendrik Bluhm
The physicist is developing quantum computers with semiconductor qubits. He is also coordinating the construction of a German semiconductor quantum processor.
Shuttling electrons
Scalability is the watchword for Prof. Hendrik Bluhm. In order for the planned applications to run on quantum computers, today’s systems with their small number of qubits must be scaled up to realize computers with millions of qubits. To achieve this, the physicist relies on semiconductor qubits known as electron spin qubits. This type of qubit is closely related to the chips used in microelectronics today. Established processes from semiconductor manufacturing could be used to produce semiconductor qubits in the future.
To create quantum processors with a high number of semiconductor qubits, Bluhm’s working group has developed a quantum shuttle together with partners. The shuttle allows electrons, which serve as information carriers in semiconductor qubits, to be transported back and forth across a chip, thus connecting a large number of electrons simultaneously. The concept will be implemented in a semiconductor quantum processor to be made in Germany, whose construction Bluhm is coordinating.
“We are developing a technology on a completely new basis that knows no comparison in conventional data processing. It’s this pioneering work that appeals to me, this ‘moon landing’ nature of the research."
Hendrik Bluhm
Millions in funding
Bluhm’s working group investigates the production, manipulation, and modelling of semiconductor qubits as well as the scalability of systems. Bluhm is also deputy spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence “Matter and Light for Quantum Information”, which explores new technologies for quantum communication and quantum computers.
The physicist earned his doctoral degree at Stanford University in the USA and undertook postdoctoral research at Harvard University. He is the recipient of two awards that are worth millions in funding: a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) and the Alfried Krupp Prize for Young University Teachers.
Selected projects
- Cluster of Excellence “Material and Light for Quantum Computing” (ML4Q)
New technologies for quantum communication and quantum computing - QUASAR
Construction of a German semiconductor quantum processor
Contact
Prof. Hendrik Bluhm
Director, JARA-Institute Quantum Information (PGI-11)
- Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI)
- JARA-Institute Quantum Information (PGI-11)
Room 264