X-rays for quantum technology

Quantum technology is our quest to harness the subtle but powerful effects of quantum mechanics for technology, particularly in computing, sensing, and communication. Since the advent of quantum mechanics 100 years ago, quantum technology has taken transformative steps from thought experiments to proof-of-concept laboratory experiments to application-ready technology products, especially in the last two decades. However, the realization of robust, scalable quantum technology hardware still faces the key challenge of making quantum systems with multi-qubit quantum states immune to environment-induced decoherence while at the same time being fully controllable in every detail.

Synchrotron and free-electron laser facilities, with their high-precision analytical capabilities, are poised to address this paradoxical (quantum) materials challenge. These most powerful x-ray photon sources offer a unique variety of methods to characterize the properties and functions of materials, interfaces, and devices on atomic length and time scales with high precision and sensitivity. This talk will provide an overview of how x-ray nano- and femtoanalytics, in particular based on most advanced diffraction-limited storage rings and high-repetition free-electron lasers, can drive materials innovation for quantum technologies.