Carbon-based Designer Quantum Spin Systems

Abstract

Quantum magnetism is usually studied in rather complex materials, but it can also emerge in simple carbon structures when engineered with atomic precision. Using on-surface synthesis, we create custom-designed nanographenes that host magnetic edge states and exotic electronic phases. These systems allow us to build model spin chains – such as Heisenberg and Haldane chains – directly from carbon atoms and explore their quantum behavior. This approach opens a new path to studying fundamental quantum phenomena, from fractionalized excitations to topological states, in a clean and highly controllable setting.

About

Prof. Dr Roman Fasel is head of the nanotech@surfaces Laboratory at Empa. He pioneered on-surface synthesis of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons, enabling tailored electronic and topological properties. His group advanced these materials toward device applications and realized quantum spin chains in nanographenes, opening new directions in quantum nanoscience.

Quantum computing and quantum science

Abstract

The use of quantum mechanics to compute has been predicted to offer access to problems which are beyond the reach of machines built using only classical physics. This raises the challenge of building such quantum computers, and of finding ways to use them. I will describe the current status of this pursuit, which involves an interplay between government and industrial players spanning from fundamental research to systems accessible through the cloud. I will also draw connections to the possibilities for further scientific discoveries based on the use of both quantum computers and more specialized quantum devices.

About

Jonathan Home established the Trapped-Ion Quantum Information group at ETH Zürich in 2010, which performs research at the forefront of experimental quantum computing and metrology. Discoveries include first implementations of error-correction codes and new platforms for performing quantum computing.  His work has been recognized by many prizes, including the ETH Latsis Prize, the APS Landauer Bennett Award and a TED Fellowship.

Shining light in Quantum Materials

Abstract

The understanding, characterization, and tailoring of quantum materials using X-rays is a key step in the development of new quantum technologies. The upgraded Swiss Light Source (SLS 2.0), with its enhanced brightness, enables high-resolution studies of equilibrium states, while the X-ray Free Electron Laser (SwissFEL) provides a unique tool to probe ultrafast dynamics, out-of-equilibrium quantum states. Selected examples will illustrate the benefits of X-rays for investigating both static and transient phenomena in quantum matter.

About

Luc Patthey is head of the Laboratory for Advanced Spectroscopy and X-ray Sources (LSX) at PSI and Titular Professor at the University of Fribourg. The LSX laboratory focusses on electronic properties and ultra-fast dynamics in condensed matter and quantum materials science using advanced X-ray sources at synchrotron and XFEL.

Serial processes – real time monitoring – control – versus parallel processing

Abstract

Advanced manufacturing of complex components, composed of subtractive and additive materials processes, increasingly relies on the integration of serial and parallel processing strategies to optimize throughput and flexibility.

Real-time monitoring and data acquisition enable precise control of material behavior and process parameters. Adding artificial intelligence correlations between processing conditions and final performance can be rapidly identified. In the near future, adding physics informed neural networks (PINNs) will improve quality, reduce calculation power and time.

To satisfy future fabrication needs of complex multimaterial customized macroscopic (from mm³ to m³) devices with micrometer precision low cost, rapid, and scalable technologies will have to be found. A possible approach combining serial mold fabrication, embossing, multiple materials slip casting, followed by sintering, could provide such a pathway for shaping intricate geometries.

About

Prof. Dr Patrik Hoffmann studied chemistry in University of Karlsruhe in Germany and carried out his PhD at EPFL in Switzerland on Laser repair for microelectronics. After a post-doc at IBM Almaden in California he joined an electrodeposition company in the black forest in Germany being responsible for the dental activity of the company. Since 1997 he has been teaching laser materials processing at master and PhD level at EPFL and was nominated in 2009 Head of the Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory at Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, continuing the teaching activity at EPFL as Adjunct Professor. He is guest professor at Nagoya Institute of Technology in Japan and at Shenzhen Polytechnical University in China. He co-authored more than 150 peer reviewed journal papers and invented or co-invented several patents. His present research interest is in advanced processing technologies more specifically in beam induced metal 3-D printing, electron-beam and laser beam induced processing and coating and replication technologies for large scale microstructured products.

From Digital Materials and Fabrication to AI-Driven Generative Design and Optimization

Abstract

This talk takes a journey through different, AI-driven approaches for automatically generating, simulating, and optimizing structural and mechanical systems that exploit digital materials and fabrication via multi-material Additive Manufacturing (AM). These methods define and explore large, complex solution spaces. One of the original goals that initiated the area of generative design over 50 years ago still remains – discovering novel, creative solutions beyond what a human designer can conceive of alone. Several examples are shown including inverse design of stochastic, voxelated digital materials, a data-driven approach for automated design generation of AM biaxial weaves and 4D printing of machines and shape morphing structures. The talk concludes with a perspective on the future of this field.

About

Prof. Kristina Shea is a Full Professor in Mechanical and Processing Engineering at ETH Zürich since 2012.  Her lab’s research develops novel, AI-driven generative design and optimization methods that define and explore complex solution spaces to discover new engineering systems. Exploiting the capabilities of digital materials and fabrication, they prototype and experimentally test creative designs with new functionalities across a wide range of application domains.