In this episode of ML4Q&A, host Mira Sharma, an associated member of the Matter and Light for Quantum Computing (ML4Q) Cluster, chats with one of the leading voices in experimental quantum optics - Professor Christine Silberhorn from the University of Paderborn.

Christine’s groundbreaking work in integrated quantum optical systems has earned her numerous prestigious awards. She’s also a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of North Rhine-Westphalia and was appointed to the German Science Council in 2023. Her research focuses on making photonic quantum computing scalable and practical - using light particles, or "flying qubits," to push the boundaries of quantum communication.

In this conversation, Christine shares how photonic quantum systems can be integrated on a chip, why education in quantum science needs fresh thinking as well as her personal journey in academia and research.

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:18 On quantum optics and photonics: fundamental and technology-oriented
00:07:40 Getting into academic research
00:12:05 Research hubs vs. excellency of individual researchers
00:13:44 PhoQS and ML4Q
00:16:58 The Women for Quantum Manifesto of Values
00:31:00 Current research on integrating photonics on chips
00:40:34 Photonic Quantum Computing compared to other platforms
00:47:43 On the different components of photonic quantum computers
00:57:10 The PhoQuant project
00:59:18 Thoughts on management, community service and education