The International Conference on Quantum Photonics took place on October 21-22, 2024, at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, marking a significant milestone in the launch of the European project “Towards an Excellence Centre on Quantum Photonics in Latvia (ToEQPL).” This pioneering initiative is set to advance the development of quantum photonics in Latvia and establish the country as a leader in this innovative field.
Quantum photonics, an emerging discipline at the intersection of quantum technologies and integrated photonics, has gained momentum with the European Commission's Quantum Flagship initiative. Latvia's own Quantum Initiative aims to harness the expertise of professionals from diverse fields such as mathematics, computer science, materials science, physics, and engineering. Key Latvian figures, including Prof. Andris Ambainis and Prof. Vyacheslavs Kashcheyevs, are instrumental in driving this effort, focusing on applications such as quantum cryptography and quantum algorithms.
The ToEQPL project aims to create a Centre of Excellence that will facilitate collaborations across institutions, including the project coordinator, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), Riga Technical University (RTU), the University of Trento (UNITN), and the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT). By leveraging ISSP UL's material research capabilities, the initiative seeks to bridge quantum algorithms and photonics, fostering a robust ecosystem for quantum photonics in Latvia.
"As the project coordinator, I see this initiative as a transformative opportunity for ISSP UL to lead in quantum photonics research and elevate Latvia's standing in this vital field. By collaborating with esteemed partners and fostering innovation, we aim to position Latvia as a key player in the European quantum technology landscape," explained the ToEQPL project coordinator, a leading researcher, and head of the ISSP UL’s Laboratory of Organic Materials, Dr. Phys. Aivars Vembris.
Asked about the ToEQPL project, Prof. Christophe Couteau from UTT emphasized the potential of combining quantum technologies with photonics: “I believe the project is very important and timely. Quantum photonics—these two words, when considered separately, highlight the significance of quantum technologies and photonics. Together, they have the potential for even greater impact. The goal is to create an ecosystem and a supportive environment for quantum photonics in Latvia. You already have some developments in both fields, and the project’s idea is to integrate them.” The ToEQPL aims to position Latvia as a recognized hub for quantum photonics at the European level.
Discussions during the conference encompassed a range of topics, including organic quantum light sources, quantum communication systems, quantum sensors, and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. The event featured speakers from all consortium partners of the ToEQPL project, along with researchers from the University of Latvia.
Prof. Lorenzo Pavesi (UNITN) expressed appreciation for the conference's success, highlighting Latvia's strong research capabilities: “We’ve come together because of the excellent research happening here. Our goal is to leverage the great work being done in Latvia to advance quantum photonics. By combining our international expertise with that of local research groups, we aim to develop quantum photonics technology. This technology can be a catalyst for technology transfer and help create new industries in this field.”
After the event, Prof. Andris Ambainis noted that "quantum technologies are one of the most topical future technologies in the world, which are currently developing very rapidly. We can see this both in quantum computers, where more and more powerful quantum devices are being built and in quantum encryption, which is also developing in Latvia. This project has an important role to play in Latvia, as it increases Latvia's potential in this very important field."
Meanwhile, Prof. Vyacheslavs Kashcheyevs was pleased to see the new generation of researchers at the ISSP UL, who are strong in materials science and nano-device fabrication and are ready to take on global experience during the project. The scientist highlighted the collaboration with world experts, which plays an important role in promoting scientific excellence. "With this project, Latvia is gaining competencies in these quantum applications. Therefore, quantum photonics, through this project, is gaining a significant additional strength in the Latvian innovation ecosystem. The ToEQPL project is also an achievement we were hoping for when we launched the Quantum Initiative, as we see that the partners and the project board are made up of industry leaders at European and global levels. It is by learning from the best that we can all grow, and scientific excellence does not remain confined to a particular field but is transferred to sectors where the accumulated human capital and know-how can be further transferred to applications that are not necessarily focused on a specific narrow field. Being in the same research area with strong European institutions is the overarching goal for our entire research environment."
The conference served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together experts and researchers to share insights and discuss the latest advancements in quantum technologies. By fostering partnerships among participants from various institutions and countries, the conference contributes significantly to the ongoing development and innovation in quantum photonics.
About the Project
The project is funded by the European Commission through the Twinning program and aims to establish a Centre of Excellence for Quantum Photonics in Latvia, addressing the underrepresentation of quantum photonics research in the region. By leveraging the expertise of the ISSP UL and collaborating with esteemed Western European universities, the initiative seeks to create a competitive research hub that fosters innovation and knowledge transfer in quantum technologies. The project will include organizing conferences, schools, and workshops to support the development of this emerging field in the Baltic states. The Twinning project “ToEQPL” is financed by the European Union under grant agreement No 101160101.
