Researchers aim to unlock the secrets of the mysterious quantum cosmos. Forschungszentrum Jülich is a European hotspot of quantum research. Its vision is to develop a quantum computer that takes data processing to a new level.

Second-generation quantum technologies such as quantum computers, quantum sensors, and quantum communication are set to open up diverse new applications – in the use of artificial intelligence, medical diagnostics, or secure communication.

JUNIQ offers the unique opportunity to compare different quantum computer systems and concepts on one platform. The eleQtron quantum computer will serve as a reference for the categorisation of other systems.

Fragile quantum phenomena

Scientists around the world are therefore focusing on completely new technologies based on fragile quantum mechanical effects. Basic research, theory and development are closely interlinked at Jülich. The focus is particularly on quantum materials and quantum computing. In order for quantum computers to provide accurate results, the qubits must be controlled in a targeted manner. The precise control and monitoring of the extremely sensitive quantum states still poses major challenges. The world of the smallest particles has its own rules, which often contradict our understanding of the everyday world. A great deal of research and development work is therefore still required before quantum computers can become widespread.

Quantum materials

We already use them today: semiconductors or superconductors in our smartphones are quantum materials. Our scientists aim to optimize them for use in new types of computers or even discover completely new materials.

Quantum computers

Scientists expect them to revolutionize data processing: quantum computers can perform many operations simultaneously and outperform even classical supercomputers when it comes to certain highly complex tasks.

Simulation

How do researchers actually know what possibilities quantum computers offer? It is quite simple: they imitate their function on classical supercomputers. Simulations are an important tool for developing technologies for the new types of computers.

Applications

Improved cancer diagnostics, secure communication, or optimized storage technologies – quantum technologies are considered to have great potential when it comes to solving many future challenges. At Jülich, the focus is on the development of quantum computers.

Infrastructures

With our unique large-scale facilities, we are well equipped to conduct research into quantum technologies. In JUNIQ, the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum computing, for example, we operate quantum computers at different stages of development.

JUQCA

The development of and research into quantum computers is supported by the Jülich Quantum Computing Alliance (JUQCA), which is the point of contact for scientists at the participating institutes as well as for our in-house and external partners.

At Jülich, researchers who would like to delve into the quantum world will find excellent conditions. Scientists from a wide range of research fields work side by side on our campus. Their findings are used, for example, in the development and optimization of quantum materials, the construction of specific circuits, and the development of cryo-electronics that continue to function even at extreme sub-zero temperatures. This is because many types of qubits have an operating temperature of -273 °C, which is close to absolute zero.

Quantum knowledge

What is a qubit? And what does entanglement mean? Researchers who study the quantum world use technical terms. Here, you can find out what these terms mean.

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Thanks to JUNIQ – the Jülich UNified Infrastructure for Quantum computing – we already have demonstration facilities and prototypes of quantum computers, quantum annealers, quantum simulators, and quantum computer emulators at various stages of development. JUNIQ supports both in-house and external scientists in developing algorithms and applications for quantum computing. The aim is to further improve quantum systems and ensure that they can be applied on a large scale.