Our research group explores the interplay between quantum theory, information, and computation. We study how quantum systems encode, process, and transmit information, and how these principles enable fundamentally new forms of computation and communication. As quantum information relies on fundamentally different physical principles than classical information, this requires new conceptual theoretical and mathematical frameworks.
To address these challenges, we develop mathematical models and information-theoretic tools, design algorithms and communication protocols, and investigate the structure of complex quantum systems and how these can be described and computed with. Our research contributes to the theoretical foundations of quantum information science—providing foundations for emerging technologies such as quantum computers and secure quantum networks.
Surprisingly, quantum information also suggests new perspectives and innovative approaches to problems in areas that at first glance might appear unrelated. For example, tensors describe not only abstract quantum information or the state of quantum materials, but also high-dimensional “big data” in statistics or machine learning, complexity classes in theoretical computer science, and the quantum state of space-time itself. In our research we apply ideas from quantum information to all these areas.
Ongoing Projects
- We are supported by the European Research Council through an ERC Grant “Symmetry and Optimization at the Frontiers of Computation” (SYMOPTIC).
- Munich is a hot spot in quantum information science. We are part of the Munich Quantum Center (MQC) and the DFG Cluster of Excellence Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST).
- In the BMBFTR-funded project Quantum Methods and Benchmarks for Resource Allocation (QuBRA), we contributed to quantum algorithm development and led the quantum software engineering effort. The project Quantum Optimization Solver Kit (QuSol) takes the next step to advance our understanding of how quantum algorithms can be applied to solve complex optimization challenges. Both projects involve a consortium of academic and industry partners.
- At Bochum, we are part of the Cluster of Excellence Cybersecurity in the Age of Large-Scale Adversaries (CASA) and the Horst Görtz Institute (HGI). Together with Giulio Malavolta we are engaged in two CASA Fundamental Research Projects: Cryptography in Light of Quantum Information and Robust Certification of Quantum Devices.
Previously, we were involved in the founding of the new North Rhine-Westphalia quantum computing network EIN Quantum NRW, and we were supported by an NWO “Open Competition” grant, an NWO Veni grant and an NWA Startimpuls project (joint with S. Wehner at QuTech).