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Minister of Science Falko Mohrs visits the Hannover Institute of Technology (HITec)

Minister of Science Falko Mohrs visits the Hannover Institute of Technology (HITec)

© Katz/LUH
Science Minister Falko Mohrs (m.) with University President Volker Epping (l.) and Christoph Lotz at the Einstein-Elevator
© Katz/LUH
Christian Ospelkaus (m.) gives Falko Mohrs (l.) and Volker Epping an insight into the quantum computer research labs

Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony's Minister for Science and Culture, visited HITec on 10 February 2023 as part of his inaugural visit to Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH)

During a tour of HITec together with Professor Volker Epping and Dr Christoph Strutz, the President and Vice President of LUH, he gained insights into two current research highlights: Quantum Computers and Einstein-Elevator.

In the clock laboratory of the HITec, Professor Christian Ospelkaus presented the research status on the topic of quantum computers in the "QVLS-Q1" project. The aim of the project is to realise a 50-qubit quantum computer based on ion traps by the end of 2025. This method should enable operation at room temperature and with the lowest error rates. Due to their ability to process extremely large amounts of data simultaneously, quantum computers will be able to have a significant influence on future industrial and social developments.

This was followed by a tour of the various rooms of the Einstein-Elevator led by Dr.-Ing. Christoph Lotz. The Einstein-Elevator is an approx. 40 m high drop tower which allows experiments under adjustable gravity conditions as well as microgravity. In the Einstein-Elevator, interdisciplinary research topics are investigated in an international network, such as basic research in quantum physics and additive manufacturing under space conditions.

Research with quantum optical systems is one of LUH's main research areas. For decades, for example, Bose-Einstein condensates have been researched for the investigation of fundamental physics effects as well as for the development of novel quantum sensors for use in space missions. Current projects that will be carried out in the Einstein-Elevator over the next few years were described to the Minister. He was also presented with the decisive advantages of additive manufacturing over conventional manufacturing processes for space applications. For example, tools and spare parts can be printed directly on board on future space missions, thus allowing a more efficient use of resources. The topics of energy and resource efficiency are highly topical and groundbreaking competences in production technology that can benefit from development leaps in space research. As part of the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers, innovative space research is linked with the current core topics of LUH in the Einstein-Elevator.