Theorists at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics have made a significant stride in the field of quantum computing. Their research addresses a long-standing question: can quantum computers really outperform classical computers in solving complex problems, despite the presence of errors? In a new study focusing on analogue quantum simulators – specialised quantum devices used to mimic physical systems – the researchers could show precisely that: quantum simulators can remain stable and provide accurate results, even when subjected to errors. This finding is groundbreaking as it suggests that practical quantum advantage, where quantum computers outscore classical ones, may be within reach sooner than previously thought. The work was recently published in Nature Communications.

In the QSolid collaborative project, Forschungszentrum Jülich and its partners have started operating the first prototype of a quantum computer with optimised qubit quality. It forms the basis of a future quantum computer being developed in Germany using superconducting qubits, which will be able to perform complex calculations for industry and research.

The rare-earth metal erbium could play a key role in future quantum networks: researchers from MPQ and TU Munich succeeded in spectrally resolving and individually controlling up to 360 erbium ions.

Aqarios, a Munich-based leader in quantum computing, today announced the launch of Luna, a groundbreaking platform that simplifies and accelerates quantum application development. After a successful closed beta phase, Luna is now available to the public, providing businesses, developers, and researchers with access to a comprehensive suite of quantum tools. This enables faster innovation, problem-solving, and efficiency across industries. Luna democratizes quantum computing, making it accessible to users of all technical backgrounds.

Scientists at Paderborn University have used high-performance computing (HPC) for the first time to analyse a quantum photonics experiment on a large scale. Specifically, this involved the tomographic reconstruction of experimental data from a quantum detector. This is a device that measures individual photons, i.e. particles of light. Among other things, the researchers developed new HPC software for this purpose. Their results have now been published in the journal ‘Quantum Science and Technology’.

Pixel Photonics, a spin-off from WWU Münster, has supplied two prototype photon detectors fo QuiX Quantum Photonenprojekt UPQC that could remove this scaling hurdle: Their single photon detectors are integrated directly into the photonic circuits of the quantum computer and can be controlled particularly efficiently in a network.

Q.ANT, the leading German startup for light-based data processing and quantum sensing, is unveiling the first prototypes of the Q.M 10, the next generation of its photonic quantum magnetic field sensor. This groundbreaking sensor redefines the way biosignals are captured and processed in medical technology by measuring the tiniest electric currents and magnetic fields in the human body with even greater precision than its predecessor, and without direct contact. By leveraging light as a natural carrier of information, the Q.M 10 gives researchers deeper insights into the body’s biosignals and promises to push the boundaries of medical technology. One example is mind-controlled prosthetics that function almost like natural limbs. In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), Q.ANT is developing an innovative prosthetic sensor module, showcasing it at this year’s COMPAMED international trade fair in Düsseldorf, taking place from November 11-14. Visitors can experience a live demonstration at Hall 8a, Booth G10, demonstrating how the Q.M 10 converts emulated muscle signals into precise commands for a hand prosthesis in milliseconds.

A team led by physicists Steffen Sahl and Stefan Hell at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg has succeeded in measuring distances within biomolecules using a light microscope, down to one nanometer and with Ångström precision. The intra-molecular resolution achieved with MINFLUX microscopy makes it possible to optically record the spatial distances between subunits in macromolecules and thus to detect different conformations of individual proteins in the light microscope.

A team of physicists led by Johannes Zeiher, research group leader in Immanuel Bloch's Quantum Many-Body Systems department and co-founder of the MPQ spin-off planqc, has achieved significant progress in scaling up quantum computing platforms with neutral atoms.

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), in collaboration with Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Hospital, are developing a new technology for cancer monitoring based on the use of quantum sensors. The project has now been honored with the Medical Valley Award.