BLB NRW builds international centre for quantum photonics
The new PhoQS Lab research building will provide scientists on the Paderborn University campus with a state-of-the-art infrastructure to create something new in the field of quantum photonics. To mark the completion of the shell construction work, Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW (BLB NRW) and the university celebrated the topping-out ceremony together.
The "Photonic Quantum Systems Laboratory" - PhoQS Lab for short - is an international centre for quantum photonics that offers state-of-the-art research conditions. In future, scientists from the fields of physics, electrical engineering, computer science and mathematics will work together on a total of four floors. "This is a special building with numerous structural features. This building is unique for our region and will be an important flagship for Paderborn University," says Wolfgang Feldmann, Head of the Bielefeld branch of the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb. After the ground-breaking ceremony in March 2022 symbolised the start of work on the new research building, intensive work has been underway on the construction site. The shell of the new research centre is complete and the interior work has already begun. "Today's topping-out ceremony marks an important milestone in the course of the project and is proof of the good cooperation between Paderborn University, the architects, planners and contractors and BLB NRW," says Feldmann.
The ceremony was attended by Dr Sandra Scheermesser, representative of the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, Simone Probst, Vice President for Operations at Paderborn University, Prof. Dr Christine Silberhorn, Head of the Chair of Integrated Quantum Optics at Paderborn University, Gabriele Willems, Managing Director of SU NRW, and other representatives from politics, business and culture.
Unique building project
In view of the density of university and non-university research institutions conducting research in the field of quantum photonics, the PhoQS Lab is unique. The building is a two-part, cube-shaped structure that is divided into two utilisation units by a so-called static settlement joint. This joint extends from the foundation across all levels to the ceiling and enables vibration-free and trouble-free working in the laboratory area. In future, the most vibration-sensitive equipment will be located on the lower floor - directly on the foundation level - and therefore directly above the rocky ground. Vibration-decoupled special foundations will also provide a secure base. The high-tech new building will house various laboratories and research rooms with highly sensitive instruments and clean rooms as well as optics laboratories. The issue of sustainability in particular was already emphasised during the planning phases of the PhoQS Lab. For example, the building will be equipped with a photovoltaic system and an efficient heat recovery system. The targeted silver certification in accordance with the "Sustainable Building" (BNB) assessment system for ecological, economic, socio-structural and functional quality as well as for process and technical quality emphasises the excellent sustainability of the building. "With the new PhoQS Lab building project, we are realising a forward-looking facility with international appeal for Paderborn University and the entire research sector, which is an absolute success in terms of construction, work technology and sustainability," explained BLB NRW Managing Director Gabriele Willems.
Cutting-edge research at an international level
University President Prof. Dr Birgitt Riegraf emphasises: "Thanks to proven experts in various disciplines, all the necessary resources come together here to conduct basic research and apply the results. Paderborn University has been conducting top-level basic research for many years. The new research building emphasises our research strength and further strengthens our international appeal." Vice President Simone Probst adds: "The new laboratory building - a state-of-the-art research environment with excellent sustainability - offers a unique infrastructure that will significantly strengthen us in international competition for our research in high technology."
In the PhoQS Lab, scientists from the fields of physics, mathematics, electrical engineering and computer science want to work together on second-generation quantum technologies. These technologies are based on the targeted manipulation of individual and coupled quantum systems and will open up new possibilities beyond classical physics in the future. The aim is to develop new research approaches both in the technological development of photon-based quantum applications and in theoretical and experimental conceptualisation. The PhoQS Lab sets new standards in international comparison thanks to its infrastructural equipment and high-tech resources. By creating an integrative centre of excellence, cutting-edge research is being conducted in the field of quantum photonics, thus creating a revolutionary advancement in the entire field of research. The centre will focus on the control and understanding of quantum information and communication systems, which are used in novel quantum applications. With the completion of the building shell, BLB NRW and Paderborn University are thus celebrating another important milestone and continuing work on the interior.
"Research into photonic, i.e. light-based, quantum technologies is of particular importance for key optical technologies with a very broad field of application. The PhoQS Lab offers space for the development of pioneering research topics and creates a specialised infrastructure that is groundbreaking for the further development of photonic quantum research at a national and international level. The PhoQS Lab thus provides the basis for us to establish our new Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems (PhoQS) as a unique interdisciplinary centre in Germany and Europe," says Prof. Dr Christine Silberhorn, who is also the spokesperson for PhoQS.
About Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW (BLB NRW)
BLB NRW is the owner and landlord of almost all properties in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. With around 4,100 buildings, a rental area of around 10.3 million square metres and annual rental income of around 1.5 billion euros, BLB NRW is responsible for one of the largest property portfolios in Europe. Its services include the areas of development and planning, construction and modernisation as well as the management and sale of technically and architecturally highly complex properties. In addition, BLB NRW plans and realises the civil and military construction projects of the Federal Republic of Germany in North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the federal construction programme. BLB NRW employs more than 2,700 people at eight locations. Further information can be found on the BLB NRW website.
Further information can be found on the topic page on quantum research at Paderborn University.
