“EQEC's strength is its broad range of topics”

Prof. Rachel Grange from the Institute of Quantum Electronics at ETH Zurich and General Chair of the European Quantum Electronics Conference (EQEC) 2023 speaks about the photonic building blocks of quantum technologies, the close connections between basic research and technological application in quantum technologies at the CLEO®/Europe and the EQEC, and this year's conference highlights.

What are the focuses of EQEC 2023?

A strength of our conference is that it covers a wide range of topics. It spans the spectrum from quantum optics to ultrafast and nonlinear optics to nanophotonics. In other words, the EQEC program does not just focus on a few trendy topics, but sees itself as an open forum for all topics associated with basic photonics research. This should be noted first of all. To set the mood, the plenary lecture by Professor Claudio Conti from the Physics Department of the University of Sapienza (Italy) is recommended. He will talk about “Photonic machines for large-scale applications and fundamental physics” and thus, right away on Tuesday, set the tone for our program of presentations that will cover a wide range of topics. As always, the content of the EQEC is closely connected with CLEO®/Europe, which can also be seen in our joint sessions.

What fascinating technology trends do you currently see in quantum technology?

Because at EQEC 2023 the focus is on optical and photonic fundamentals, we will not especially be dealing with new technologies. It’s more about the physical understanding and the classical building blocks of quantum technologies. The broad scope of the program is also illustrated by the fact that only two of the ten EQEC program committees deal with quantum optics and materials in the narrower sense and with quantum communication and sensor technology. The cooperation of CLEO® and EQEC reflects the close connections between basic research and technological application in quantum technologies. They are based on classical technology that needs to be perfected for use in quantum communications and quantum computing as well as quantum sensors and imaging. The paths towards this perfection are the focus of our conference. The World of QUANTUM trade fair next door has its own program of presentations and application panels dealing with specific technological applications.

At your conference, will there be highlights that you wish to draw the LASER and World of QUANTUM community’s attention to?

For participants who are not yet so familiar with our research topics, the longer formats are recommended – in other words, the keynotes, plenary, and tutorial talks. One highlight in my opinion is the tutorial from Maciej Leewenstein from the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona, Spain, which will focus on attosecond research and its connection to quantum optics and quantum information. The six joint CLEO®/Europe-EQEC symposia will also provide exciting insights into our field of research in around 20 presentations.

To see the program and obtain important information about CLEO®/Europe-EQEC 2023, click here.