Twinning in non-Gaussian Physics for Quantum Technology

Project Information

NONGAUSS

Grant agreement ID: 951737

DOI

10.3030/951737

Project closed

EC signature date 10 June 2020

Start date 1 January 2021

End date 31 December 2023

Funded under

• Twinning of research institutions

Total cost

€ 899 625,00

EU contribution

€ 899 625,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERZITA PALACKEHO V OLOMOUCI
Czechia

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NONGAUSS (Twinning in non-Gaussian Physics for Quantum Technology)

Reporting period: 2022-04-01 to 2023-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

This 36-months Twinning project focuses on enhancing the research profile of the Department of Optics of Palacký University (UP) in Olomouc (CZ) in modern quantum non-Gaussian science. It is done by intensifying networking with top quantum technology laboratories, particularly with the Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Sorbonne Université (SU) in Paris and the Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) in Lyngby. They provide the required complementary experimental expertise and intensified individual training of Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs), postdocs and also academic staff in the modern experimental tools and methods of quantum technology (QT) not yet available in the Czech Republic. Also, they contribute to the training of administration & management in the preparation and coordination of the EU projects, organisation of NONGAUSS workshops and summer schools, preparations of experimental proposals and management/dissemination of NONGAUSS. All these activities eliminate the main bottleneck of the expanding theory group in Olomouc and increase its impact within the European Union.

NONGAUSS project contributes to three generic knowledge domains (nanotechnology, micro-and nanoelectronics, photonics) identified in the national strategy RIS3 of the Czech Republic The production of optical instruments and devices has a long tradition in the Olomouc region and significant export potential.

The overall objectives of the NONGAUSS project are:
- to directly transfer knowledge of modern optical, atomic, solid-state and optomechanical QT to the coordinator theory group at UP, with a primary emphasis on ESRs (PhD students) and postdocs;
- to overcome the underestimated potential of non-Gaussian quantum physics in QT, increase the research capacity of the UP team in QT and build a dense European network of laboratories around the UP team, the training process will be combined with extensive networking in QT, and support the formation of a consortium for EU project proposals in quantum non-Gaussian physics;
- to increase profoundly the impact of the UP research team on the field of QT;
- intensive dissemination of project activities and effective communication with the public.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Despite the unfavourable Covid-19 situation, the project activities took place in the full range of twinning activities planned in the project in the monitoring period (January 2021- March 2022).

Knowledge transfer from 6 Short-term and 2 Mid-term Training Stays of researchers from UP at the labs of DTU and SU resulted in the preparation of two joint experimental proposals, eight scientific publications and manuscripts, the preparation of two joint experimental proposals, the published Survey on Non-Gaussian Quantum Physics with Light and Atoms and seven joint EU research proposals (4 to the Horizon 2020 and 3 to the Horizon Europe programs) and 4 Individual Fellowship Applications for ESRs.

Active discussions of the UP Workshop organised by UP in May 2021 and the Winter School organised by DTU in December 2021 laid a solid groundwork for future collaboration with the DTU and SU research teams and joint proposals planned in the following years.

Invited scientists were key-note speakers at the series of 11 NONGAUSS workshops organised by the UP. Extended discussions were arranged at the UP after every seminar talk to provide an opportunity to consult and receive feedback from these top experts and to keep the benefits of in-person expert visits when moving to an on-line format (just two visits could be organised due to Covid-19 restrictions onsite).

On-line presentations of postdocs and UP staff members at the six international conferences and five colloquia at foreign universities and institutes provided the opportunity to increase the impact and networking of the UP team outside the NONGAUSS and to disseminate research results in non-Gaussian quantum physics based on the outcomes of training and networking.

The Quantum MeetUP Day by UP was organised for students from 15 high schools all over the Czech Republic and their teachers as well as the organisation of Quantum Panel for the professional public from the CZ and other countries, like Denmark, Poland and Portugal, enhanced the visibility of the UP team and enabled to attract attention to the quantum physics, present advances in quantum technologies and to discuss their promising application potential.

The implementation of the project has been affected by the long-lasting travel restrictions related to the unpredictable Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, some deviations in the timetable of some individual activities had to be taken had to be organised in the on-line form. HOwever, the project is basically on schedule, and there are no significant deviations. All deliverables planned for March 31, 2022 (Month 15) have been elaborated in time (D1.3 D4.1 D4.2. D4.3 D4.4). The milestone relating to the initial knowledge transfer from training stays at the labs of DTU and SU (M1) was completed, and all critical planned activities have been accomplished.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The activities of the NONGAUSS twinning project in the monitoring period (M1-M15) recorded these impacts:
- Increased research excellence of the UP team in non-Gaussian quantum physics and technologies by the publication of the six high impact peer-reviewed papers;

- Enhanced reputation, attractiveness and networking channels of the UP as the coordinating institution by strengthening the contact with both project partners (DTU and SU) and their research teams, preparation of joint research projects; more intensive networking in the non-Gaussian community at the EU level, particularly by 11 expert visits, participation in 6 international conferences and 5 colloquia; organisation of the Quantum Panel;

- Improved capability to compete successfully for national, EU/internationally competitive research funding by preparation e.g. 4 research proposals to the Horizon 2020 (3 were supported, 2 of them are based on collaboration with DTU/SU), 3 proposals to the Horizon Europe (1 proposal was supported);

- Enhanced reputation, attractiveness and networking channels of the UP as a coordinating institution by strengthening the contact with both project partners (DTU and SU) and their research teams, preparation of joint research projects; more intensive networking in the non-Gaussian community at the EU level, particularly by 11 expert visits, participation in 6 international conferences and 5 colloquia; the organisation of the international Quantum Panel for the professional public;

- Positive impact on Early-stage researchers (ESRs) by their involvement practically in all project activities, mainly the Winter School in Denmark (12/2021);
- Support of publication performance UP team in peer-reviewed journals at the UP by developing the manual relating to the evolution of publications in high-index scientific journals using contacts and stays with both leading scientific partners;

- The benefits for the internationally leading scientific institutions and the way they materialise through partnership: first joint theory and experimental papers prepared; the work on collaborative research projects; one postdoc position at DTU for a researcher from UP offered; several joint EU proposals and fellowships submitted (2 projects and 1 fellowship already started in 2022); both leading scientific institutions (DTU and SU) negotiate the positions for ESRs and postdocs from UP in the near future.