Identifying use cases for quantum technologies together.

How can quantum computing unlock the next generation of operational weather forecasting?

Weather forecasting is a computationally and scientifically demanding field. Increasing model complexity, higher spatial resolution, growing data volumes, and the need for more accurate predictions of extreme weather events are continuously pushing the limits of current computing approaches.

UBIMET aims to explore how quantum computing could enable the next generation of operational weather forecasting. The goal is to identify areas where quantum technologies could create value beyond existing classical computing approaches and to define a first real-world use case.

Potential opportunities include novel modelling approaches for predicting complex phenomena such as extreme weather events. Proposed solutions should consider how quantum approaches can be integrated with existing classical high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.

The objective of the event is to identify promising application areas, technical approaches and research directions that can form the basis for a future collaborative R&D project. UBIMET is seeking research-oriented partners to jointly develop a funded project proposal, rather than a commercial service provider to implement a predefined solution.

For the Quantum Ideation Days, RECENDT brings photonic quantum-sensing solutions for mid-infrared spectroscopy, microscopy, hyperspectral imaging and optical coherence tomography based on nonlinear interferometry and sensing with undetected photons. The technology can provide spectral, spatial and depth-resolved information without directly detecting mid-infrared photons, and at lower costs.

Possible applications include non-destructive testing of polymers, coatings and multilayer structures, chemical imaging, cost effective mid-infrared sensing (e.g. gas analysis), microplastics analysis, control and analysis of biological and pharmaceutical samples, biomedical imaging and industrial process monitoring. The technology can especially be relevant where low mid-infrared probing power, sensitive samples, room-temperature detection or combined spectroscopic and imaging information are important.

RECENDT is now looking to identify research partners, industrial partners and early adopters for these technological developments.

For this challenge, RECENDT is looking for partners with capabilities and experience to design and/or manufacture crystalline structures with high optical nonlinearities to serve as sources of entangled photons in the mid-infrared wavelength range.

The central components of our photonic quantum-sensing systems are nonlinear materials (e.g. bulk-crystals or waveguides) which are used as sources of entangled photons. These sources produce correlated photons in separated wavelength regimes (e.g., mid-infrared idler photons for probing a sample and near-infrared signal photons for detection). The nonlinear platform and design determine the accessible wavelength range, bandwidth, photon rate, dispersion and overall performance.

Our current bulk-crystal systems already support infrared spectroscopy, imaging and OCT, but further progress is limited by the available material parameters like transmission, amplification profiles, group-velocity dispersion, alignment sensitivity and limited possibilities for integration. The existing bulk-crystal sensing platform is at laboratory prototype/demonstrator level.

The challenge is to identify a realistic next-generation source design that extends the spectral range or improves efficiency, stability, dispersion properties and integration. This transition requires an interdisciplinary approach and coherent joint work of research and industrial partners.

An improved source has the potential to reshape mid-infrared sensing and enable quantum spectroscopy and imaging in challenging (for classical instruments) mid-infrared wavelength ranges.

Possible nonlinear material platforms include nonlinear non-oxide crystals, waveguides, and hybrid systems. Implementation requires expertise in nonlinear-optical modelling, quasi-phase matching, dispersion engineering, MBE, HVPE (high-growth-rate hydride vapor phase epitaxy), crystal growth, waveguide fabrication and photonic integration.

Our goal is to bring the design and manufacturing of a new nonlinear platform to Austria. The next-generation source is currently at the concept and design stage, with simulations being performed.