What exactly are photonic quantum systems, and how can light particles and quantum physics be used to transmit data? Scientists from the Institute and 21 school pupils explored this question on 2 July 2026 as part of a one-day programme on offer at the UPB Summer University , organised centrally by the empowerMINT team. The aim of the programme, ‘Photonics-based quantum systems – an interdisciplinary exploration of light particles’, was to inspire school pupils’ interest in science, technology, research and, in particular, current developments in quantum research.
During the event, the pupils gained fascinating insights into a field of research that ranks among the key technologies of the future: quantum communication. They were able to discover how the laws of quantum physics can be used to transmit data quickly and efficiently. Dr Michael Stefzsky (Integrated Quantum Optics Research Group ) gave the pupils an overview, in a lecture, of how light particles are used for data transmission and how they can be used to build photonic quantum computers. The two doctoral candidates, Vladyslav Dyachuck and Lukas Kuhlmann – also from Prof. Dr Christine Silberhorn’s Integrated Quantum Optics research group – provided an insight into their day-to-day research, their research topics and their laboratories. This allowed the pupils to experience first-hand research into future technologies and to discuss with the PhoQS scientists how these innovative technologies will influence their future careers. The highlight of the day was the four-hour workshop, during which the pupils transmitted data using light themselves and tried their hand at coupling laser light into an optical fibre. The workshop impressively demonstrated just how exciting and socially relevant research at the interface between Physics and Electrical Engineering is.
The Summer University was on offer for the first time this year and is designed to give schoolgirls an in-depth insight into the topics and working methods of the STEM subjects at Paderborn University.
