In this FAU LMQ People Spotlight, we interviewed our member Michael J. Hartmann, who is chair holder of the Chair for Theoretical Physics II at the FAU since 2019.
What is your research topic?
In my group, we work on quantum computing. On the one hand, we are interested in applications of quantum computers in physics research. On the other, we work on improving the functionality of superconducting quantum processors in collaboration with colleagues who build those.
How is your research linked to the research foci of the FAU LMQ?
In a superconducting quantum processor, the information is stored in quantum states of microwave photons. Thus, the technical challenge in this field is to improve our abilities to control and manipulate microwave light and its interaction with matter, here electrical currents.
Why exactly this topic/these topics?
I believe quantum computing can become one of the most disruptive changes in our technological capabilities of the coming decades. I also consider myself very fortunate to be able to work in this field at a time where it appears to make crucial steps forward.
Who in the Profile Center do you hope to collaborate with in the future?
My interests make collaborations with Daniel Burgarth, Christopher Eichler, Florian Marquardt and Kai Phillip Schmidt very interesting.
When I am not working as a scientist, then …
I like to go skiing in wintertime and challenge myself with a wing foil in summer. The latter I have started more recently and hence still struggle quite a bit with, but it is big fun.
Do you have a secret talent?
Difficult question for me. I prefer that others tell whether I’m talented in something.
What does a typical day in your working life look like?
I spend about 60-70% of my time in meetings, typically half in person half online. These include scientific discussions but also administrative matters for large projects like MQV, the Bavarian Quantum Computing Project. Then there is also teaching, the preparation of lectures and reporting or reviewing.
Where do you see the FAU LMQ in 5 or 10 years?
In my view, we have very strong researchers in light matter systems and quantum technologies at FAU. My hope is that LMQ will drive collaborations between them and help to make our achievements more visible. So ideally, in 5 to 10 years, everyone working in this field thinks of Erlangen when seeing the letters LMQ.
In this FAU LMQ People Spotlight, we interviewed our member Michael J. Hartmann, who is chair holder of the Chair for Theoretical Physics II at the FAU since 2019.
What is your research topic?
In my group, we work on quantum computing. On the one hand, we are interested in applications of quantum computers in physics research. On the other, we work on improving the functionality of superconducting quantum processors in collaboration with colleagues who build those.
How is your research linked to the research foci of the FAU LMQ?
In a superconducting quantum processor, the information is stored in quantum states of microwave photons. Thus, the technical challenge in this field is to improve our abilities to control and manipulate microwave light and its interaction with matter, here electrical currents.
Why exactly this topic/these topics?
I believe quantum computing can become one of the most disruptive changes in our technological capabilities of the coming decades. I also consider myself very fortunate to be able to work in this field at a time where it appears to make crucial steps forward.
Who in the Profile Center do you hope to collaborate with in the future?
My interests make collaborations with Daniel Burgarth, Christopher Eichler, Florian Marquardt and Kai Phillip Schmidt very interesting.
When I am not working as a scientist, then …
I like to go skiing in wintertime and challenge myself with a wing foil in summer. The latter I have started more recently and hence still struggle quite a bit with, but it is big fun.
Do you have a secret talent?
Difficult question for me. I prefer that others tell whether I’m talented in something.
What does a typical day in your working life look like?
I spend about 60-70% of my time in meetings, typically half in person half online. These include scientific discussions but also administrative matters for large projects like MQV, the Bavarian Quantum Computing Project. Then there is also teaching, the preparation of lectures and reporting or reviewing.
Where do you see the FAU LMQ in 5 or 10 years?
In my view, we have very strong researchers in light matter systems and quantum technologies at FAU. My hope is that LMQ will drive collaborations between them and help to make our achievements more visible. So ideally, in 5 to 10 years, everyone working in this field thinks of Erlangen when seeing the letters LMQ.