“Enormous potential in quantum technology”

Read more about research in quantum physics at Stockholm University

The Swedish government has decided to introduce eight new strategic research areas (SRAs, or SFOs in Swedish) to strengthen Sweden's position in international research and innovation. SEK 200 million is planned to be allocated to these areas in 2027 and SEK 400 million from 2028. In November, Swedish universities submitted their applications for SFOs to the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet), which is in charge of the process, and a decision on who will be awarded SFOs is to be expected until the summer.

Stockholm University is the main applicant for six SFOs*. The largest application from the university, in economic measurement, is in the field of Quantum Technology. Behind the application are five researchers at the Department of Physics at Stockholm University, three researchers at Linköping University and two at Uppsala University.

Broad and cohesive research environment

Emil Bergholtz, professor of physics at Stockholm University, is in charge of the application and is supposed to lead the SFO if it is granted to the university.

“There is an enormous potential in quantum technology, but which applications will be most significant is still open. In our SFO application, we are therefore building a broad and cohesive research environment that combines experiments, materials science and theory – from quantum communication and photonics to quantum sensors and new quantum materials. The idea is to give Sweden and Stockholm University a strong foundation for both early breakthroughs (for example in sensors and communication) and more long-term leaps (new platforms and principles).”

What do you see as the main strengths of your application?
“The strength is that we gather a critical mass of leading groups that complement each other and can drive projects from idea to experiment and on to prototype. We also have a strategy that keeps several promising and curiosity-driven tracks open at the same time, as the field is evolving rapidly and it is difficult to know in advance which platform will be the winner.”

What do you hope your research will be able to result in?
“In the short term, I see great potential in quantum sensors – for example, for medical diagnostics and imaging, which can be more sensitive and less invasive. Another promising direction is quantum simulators yielding computational methods that help us understand and design new materials and drugs faster. Quantum communication could also become important relatively soon. On the other hand, I believe that a completely general quantum computer for broad problems is much further in the future, even if the development is fast.”

Why have you chosen to include researchers from Linköping and Uppsala in the application?
“We have Linköping and Uppsala on board because they bring cutting-edge expertise that complements Stockholm's strengths – especially in materials, components and experimental platforms. Together, we can cover the entire chain from basic physics to scalable solutions. In some areas of quantum technology, large industrial investments are already dominating. Then the role of universities becomes extra important; to stay ahead conceptually and create the next generation of ideas and platforms”, says Emil Bergholtz.

Nobel Laureate Frank Wilczek part of the application

Frank Wilczek is one of the most influential physicists of modern times. He is a professor of theoretical physics at MIT and a Nobel Laureate in Physics in 2004 and has been employed at Stockholm University for about ten years. Part of the year he is in Stockholm, where he holds the summer school Quantum Connections . He is intended to have a central role in the external advisory board that is linked to the SFO from Stockholm University. According to Emil Bergholtz, Frank Wilczek can contribute with a unique international perspective and strengthen international quality assurance.

At Stockholm University, there are 50–100 researchers (including doctoral students) who work specifically with quantum physics. The Department of Physics and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics, Nordita, which is also located in Stockholm, regularly arrange international conferences and other events linked to quantum physics that bring together leading researchers and young talents in the field of quantum physics. One such event is the summer school Quantum Connections.

“Stockholm University has top-class experimental research, including in photonics, quantum communication and cold atoms/ions. Internationally, we are also very strong in theory from quantum matter and open quantum systems to quantum information and quantum sensors, which allows us to connect deep understanding to new experiments and technical concepts”, says Emil Bergholtz.

What do you see as the most important areas for applications in quantum technology?
“In the near future, I think quantum sensors will have the greatest impact, because sensors are needed everywhere – from medicine to industry. The next area is quantum communication and cryptography, where quantum physics can provide new levels of security”, says Emil Bergholtz.

What in quantum research are you most attracted to?
“It's the creative thinking that attracts me. Studying or predicting complex quantum phenomena can seem very messy, but once you have understood something in depth, it is suddenly crystal clear. Several of my best insights have been gained during long walks in the woods. It's a special feeling, and a great driving force for my work. The other major driving force is to learn from, starting with my research group. And to see students and postdocs grow when the difficult suddenly becomes obvious.”

No one knows exactly how quantum technology will affect society, but the potential is great, according to Emil Bergholtz.

“For me, it's exciting to build knowledge, expertise and new ideas that in the long run can be of practical use – and with the SFO application, I hope that Sweden is seriously involved and shapes the development. The initiative is also about educating the next generation of experts that Sweden will need, regardless of exactly which technical tracks win.”

Read about Emil Bergholtz's research on his profile page

Read more about research in quantum physics at Stockholm University

Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation is financing Emil Bergholtz´s research and he is also a Wallenberg Scholar.

* Stockholm University is the main applicant in the strategic research areas Quantum technologies, Excellence in school, Polar research, Health, life sciences, and artificial intelligence, Climate-related research, and Crisis preparedness and total defense.