Author: Olivier Rader
LEAPS is proud to be a key partner in a newly published international overview highlighting the essential role of synchrotron and free-electron laser (FEL) radiation sources in advancing quantum materials and technologies. The article, appearing in Advanced Functional Materials, brings together expertise from across the LEAPS community and beyond to demonstrate how large-scale light sources are paving the way for breakthroughs in quantum science.
Synchrotron radiation sources generate highly brilliant light pulses, ranging from infrared to hard X-rays, which can be used to gain deep insights into complex materials. An international team has now published an overview of synchrotron methods for the further development of quantum materials and technologies in the journal Advanced Functional Materials: Using concrete examples, they show how these unique tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum technologies such as quantum computing, overcome production barriers and pave the way for future breakthroughs.
In quantum technologies, quantum physical principles such as superposition, interference and entanglement play a decisive role in their function. Components in quantum technology can perform calculations orders of magnitude more efficiently and encrypt information (quantum computing) or deliver unprecedented measurement accuracy in sensors. However, developing such components for practical use remains challenging because quantum systems are inherently sensitive to environmental disturbances, making precise control under normal conditions difficult. To make progress in this area and identify sources of error, it is essential that the materials and devices are thoroughly characterized and better understood.
Synchrotron and FEL radiation sources provide an ideal toolkit for this purpose. The available methods include non-destructive imaging, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, spectromicroscopy and investigations of electronic and magnetic nanostructures. Participants of the “LEAPS Meets Quantum Technology” Conference in Elba 2022 have now published this overview.
Moreover, the “Hitchhiker’s Guide” to synchrotron and FEL light sources for quantum technology has now been printed and is available online. This brochure highlights and briefly introduces key methods and applications while offering a detailed directory of European experimental stations particularly suited for research in quantum technologies along with access modes and contacts.
Open-Access Publication: Advanced Functional Materials (2025): Synchrotron Radiation for Quantum Technology
Oliver Rader, Sakura Pascarelli, Klaus Attenkofer, Anna A. Makarova, Karsten Holldack, Kai Rossnagel, Kristiaan Temst, George Kourousias, Stefano Carretta, Caterina Biscari, and Helmut Dosch
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202501043
“Hitchhiker’s Guide” to synchrotron and FEL light sources for quantum technology
Anna Makarova, Oliver Rader, Kristiaan Temst, Jean Daillant (eds.)
www.helmholtz-berlin.de/srforqt
This project is supported by LEAPS-INNOV WP9, funded from the European Union Horizon 2020 programme under grant agreement no. 101004728.
