Synchrotron Radiation for Quantum Technology

Abstract

In recent years, quantum technology has undergone transformative advancements, opening up unprecedented possibilities in computation, metrology, sensing, and communication and reshaping the landscape of scientific research. Based on superposition, interference, and entanglement of quantum states, quantum systems leverage the core principles of quantum mechanics to achieve performances that were once deemed impossible or computationally insurmountable by classical methods. However, the practical realization of devices hinges on the conservation of these quantum states and their precise manipulation, requiring materials engineering with atomic precision on many length scales —a formidable challenge. Synchrotron light and free-electron laser (FEL) facilities, widely employed across diverse scientific and engineering disciplines, provide important single techniques and suites of multimodal non-destructive imaging and diagnostic tools to reveal electronic, structural, and morphological properties of matter on device level. This article delves into how these tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum device technologies, overcoming production barriers and paving the way for future breakthroughs. Moreover, the article presents quantum optics in the x-ray regime using synchrotron and FEL light sources and addresses the potential of quantum computing for synchrotron-radiation experiments.