Quantum Photonics Spotlight 2024 [QPS2024], organised by the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS) of Paderborn University, took place at the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum from 8 to 10 October 2024. With a total of 65 invited speakers and 84 poster presentations from all over the world, a scientific programme of the highest quality was created. A total of 260 participants spent the three conference days in Paderborn – and are looking forward to returning.
A conference for all disciplines of quantum photonics
The [QPS2024] reflected the interlocking research fields of the PhoQS: in the halls of the world's largest computer museum, scientists from the disciplines of physics, mathematics, information and electrical engineering met for a lively and inspiring exchange. ‘It's interesting to see how lectures from other disciplines are organised – it's an insight into a completely new world,’ PhoQS scientists stated. Researchers from different disciplines engaged in dialogue and shared their experiences and knowledge. The [QPS2024] thus more than lived up to its subtitle ‘Interdisciplinary Conference on Photonic Quantum Systems’.
The world as a guest in Paderborn
The [QPS2024] not only brought scientists from various disciplines to Paderborn, the PhoQS was also able to present Paderborn as a highly relevant location for photonic quantum research. ‘You put Paderborn on the map.’ confirmed the participating scientists from all over the world -including high-ranking quantum scientists such as Barbara Kraus (TU Munich), Michal Lipson (Columbia University), Marko Loncar (Harvard University) and Ian Walmsley (Imperial College London). It wasn't just the young researchers who were delighted with such a high-calibre line-up: ‘There are so many good lectures on offer that it's hard to choose.’ The participants also particularly emphasised the strikingly high proportion of female speakers at the conference.
From computer history to quantum karaoke
During the three days of the conference, a small accompanying exhibition was organised (companies: ephos, Nanoscribe, QUBIG GmbH, QuSine, Swabian Instruments and Vanguard). ‘It is an honour to present our products to the experts in the field,’ said the exhibitors, pleased with the interest shown in their stands. The [QPS2024] was also accompanied by a lively supporting programme. On the evening before the conference, a public evening event was organised in cooperation with the HNF. Conference participants were able to visit the HNF exhibition during the conference days, and museum tours were also offered during the lunch breaks – providing exclusive insights into the exhibition on quantum computing, which will open in January 2025. In the afternoons, participants were able to visit the PhoQS premises in the form of campus tours. For many, the concert following the conference dinner was a highlight: The Q-Dots, among them PhoQS board member Prof Klaus Jöns, provided a great atmosphere with hits rewritten as quantum songs.
The start of something new
‘We have created a new format that has met with great enthusiasm. All our guests are keen to come back,’ says Christine Silberhorn, spokesperson for PhoQS. Some companies have also already expressed interest in taking part in the conference exhibition next time. The scientific committee and the conference organisers are delighted with the consistently positive feedback and the fact that [QPS2024] could have been a wonderful start to a successful conference series.
