A quantum journey of discovery
A quantum journey of discovery
As a doctoral fellow at ETH Zurich’s Quantum Center, Clara Galante Agero is continuing her research in fundamental physics. Alongside her scientific work, she helps researchers at the Center connect and collaborate more closely.
“It’s exciting to see the enormous communal effort that’s going into developing modern quantum technologies,” says Clara Galante Agero. “Different research groups at ETH and around the world are exploring a range of approaches. In our group, we work with graphene, but others are investigating ion traps or superconducting circuits. All of these could potentially serve as the fundamental building blocks – so-called qubits – of future quantum technologies such as quantum computers. Which of these paths will ultimately lead to scalable quantum technologies is still unclear.” But what is clear: quantum science has the potential to transform everyday life, acting as a gamechanger in navigation, medical imaging, pharmaceutical research or materials science.
When it comes to her own research, the doctoral candidate is driven by the desire to acquire new insights into the laws of physics and ultimately “to understand nature”. This was the motivation that, after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Madrid, led her to ETH Zurich. For her Master’s thesis, she joined the group led by Klaus Ensslin and Thomas Ihn and quickly realised that it was experimental work that inspired her most. When it came to her doctorate, it was a natural step for her to continue in the same group. She now spends a lot of time in the cleanroom on the Hönggerberg campus, studying bilayer graphene and, from tiny fragments, attempting to build qubits, and more.
© ETH Foundation / Daniel Winkler
Staying at the forefront
Graphene is a two-dimensional material made of a single layer of carbon atoms. It becomes especially promising for electronics when two layers are stacked on top of one another. The idea of using graphene-based qubits is not a new one, as the young researcher explains: “The goal of my project is to use graphene’s electronic properties to build systems that allow us to explore quantum phenomena.” Work with graphene has already yielded numerous exciting findings – for instance in the area of superconductivity. “I find it absolutely fascinating that with advanced technology in the lab, we can observe things that follow different laws from those we’re familiar with in everyday life.”
Experiments like the ones Clara Galante Agero is conducting require infrastructure that exists in only a few places around the world. To ensure that ETH can continue offering its quantum community the facilities it needs to stay among the global leaders in the field, a new building is currently under construction on the Hönggerberg campus. Starting 2029, this is where highly sensitive quantum experiments will be conducted in labs which, thanks to sophisticated construction technologies, will be shielded from external vibrations, electromagnetic fields and temperature fluctuations. The visionary building has been made possible by a donation from ETH alumnus and Honorary Councillor Martin Haefner.
Fostering deeper exchange
In addition to infrastructure, a vibrant ecosystem is essential – one in which the ETH Quantum Center plays a key role, not least through partnerships with industry. Clara Galante Agero is deeply grateful to be pursuing her doctorate as part of a research fellowship: “You never know how the focus of a doctorate will evolve, and having your own funding gives you more flexibility.”
A special feature is the role played by the Quantum Center research fellows in strengthening the research community, currently made up of 39 groups at ETH Zurich, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and Empa. After all, building powerful quantum technology applications requires not only a knowledge of physics, but also engineering and computer science expertise. “The Quantum Center organises events where the different groups can get to know each other. If someone finds out, say, that others are working on a similar challenge, they can consider collaborating. In science, the more connections you build, the better. Different perspectives increase your chances of a breakthrough.”
Be part of the quantum revolution
The aim of the Quantum Center Research Fellowship programme is to support doctoral and postdoctoral researchers pursuing innovative projects within member groups. The programme is already backed by the Dr. Alfred und Flora Spälti Fonds and the Heidi Ras Stiftung. We warmly welcome enquiries from anyone interested in joining the quantum revolution.
