SUPER Quantum ft. Doris Reiter

SUPER Quantum ft. Doris Reiter

In Other Words

The ‘SUPER’ scheme (Swing-Up of quantum Emitter Population): using two red-detuned laser pulses, like two too-short ladders you jump between, to excite a quantum dot and get clean single photons for provably secure quantum key distribution; labs tried it immediately and it worked.

Key Takeaways

• Theoretical physicist and group leader at TU Dortmund, modelling how nanoscale quantum dots interact with light, using simulations, code (Python, C++, Fortran) and supercomputers.
• Chose theory because experiments never worked for her and she has a feel for equations; now has a permanent position.
• Quantum communication is a different kind of security: the no-cloning theorem means a copied key is detectable.
• Best non-research part: physics gives a common ground with people anywhere (she likens it to the folk dancing of her childhood).
• Three wishes: a professorship for herself, permanent positions for her many struggling talented colleagues, and to keep finding brain-teasing puzzles. Co-runs the QuanTour outreach project.