The Quantum Engineering Center

Mission statement

Members of the Quantum Engineering Center (QEC) design, manufacture and test quantum technologies using an engineering approach. The overarching goal is to provide a platform and the technical framework to address the extremely demanding technological challenges we face when bringing novel quantum technologies already existing in the lab into the real world. The Quantum Engineering Center provides  the know-how and continuity which is required for long-term successful development of quantum technologies but is beyond the capabilities of individual research groups.

Central engineering tasks addressed by the center include the creation of analog and digital control electronics, the development of scalable control and data acquisition software systems, the realization of hardware for pulsed electromagnetic field control in the optical and microwave domains, the development of device fabrication processes, and the optimization of materials properties.

Addressing the challenges in these domains successfully will enable the creation of quantum technologies which possess commercial viability. We will achieve the goal of advancing quantum technologies with a team of technicians, engineers and scientists collaborating on engineering questions. In this approach the Quantum Engineering Center operates as a novel ‘quantum machine shop’.

The ETH Zurich Quantum Engineering Center aims at becoming a leader in the development of quantum technologies not only in Switzerland but worldwide.

The center collaborates closely with existing and new research teams at ETH and strives to enhance competitiveness of quantum research and engineering at ETH by providing engineered solutions to technical challenges.

The Quantum Engineering Center engages in collaborations with Swiss and international industries to pursue its goals. It promotes the creation of spin-off companies based on its own developments and those of its partner labs at ETH. It will foster the creation of intellectual property and will support developments pursued by individual research groups at ETH in the context of quantum engineering.

The Quantum Engineering Center promotes the education of engineers, scientists and technicians and the creation of jobs in a new and developing industry based on potentially disruptive quantum technologies.