Date: Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026
Time: 11:40 am
Place: Aula 1.A1 (Faculty of Science & Technology, Leioa, UPV/EHU)
Title: Quantum materials under the microscope: Challenges and opportunities for future quantum computers
Speaker: Prof. Hermann Suderow (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid)
Abstract:
Many quantum computers operate at millikelvin temperatures using superconductors as the basic building blocks. Superconductivity is one of the most remarkable quantum coherent states that emerge in condensed matter because of collective interactions. I will present an overview of the basic properties of macroscopic coherent quantum states, taking superfluid liquid Helium as an example. Then, I will explain how to visualize quantum properties of superconductors using powerful microscopes. Finally, I will address research in topical systems where the goal is to obtain more robust quantum computers.
Short bio:
Hermann Suderow is professor for Condensed Matter physics at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. He has set-up some of the first dilution refrigerators in Spain. These machines are now used in most commercially available quantum computers to provide the millikelvin temperatures required to operate superconducting qubits. Hermann Suderow has pioneered Scanning Tunneling Microscopy at millikelvin temperatures and specializes in superconductivity and liquid helium cryogenics. His laboratory runs five millikelvin systems with advanced microscopes, designed and built by himself and his group, where he reveals through direct visualization the electronic properties of new quantum materials. He is APS fellow, DPG and RSEF member and has overseen numerous projects and initiatives in condensed matter physics. He chaired lt30.es in Bilbao and is chair of the COST Action superqumap, which gathers researchers from 32 European countries working in superconductivity and quantum materials.
