Students should be drawn to quantum technologies as they shape the future of secure communication, ultra-fast computing, and high-precision sensing. These technologies present exciting research opportunities, interdisciplinary learning, and promising career prospects in both academia and industry. Getting involved early gives students the chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in an emerging field with vast potential.

The Quantum Information course is part of the Bachelor's program in Physical Engineering at the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

The Optical Methods for Investigations and Therapy course is part of the Master's program in Modern Methods in Medical Engineering at the Faculty of Medical Engineering.

Quantum optics: A field of physics that studies the interaction between light (photons) and quantum systems (such as atoms, ions, or superconducting circuits) using quantum mechanics. It explores the behavior of individual photons, their interactions with matter, and their manipulation for quantum technologies.

Quantum entanglement: A phenomenon where two or more particles become linked in such a way that measuring the state of one instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This correlation persists even when the measurement basis is changed, making entanglement a unique property without any classical analogy. Mathematically, entangled particles are described by a wave function that cannot be factored into individual wave functions.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): A cryptographic method that enables two parties to generate a shared, secret encryption key based on quantum principles. The security is ensured by the no-cloning theorem, which states that any attempt to eavesdrop on the quantum states will disturb them, revealing the intrusion. Notable QKD protocols include BB84, E91, and BBM92.

Qubits: The fundamental unit of quantum information, represented as a two-level quantum system in a Hilbert space. Geometrically, a qubit is often described using the Bloch Sphere.

Quantum superposition: The ability of a quantum system (e.g., a qubit) to exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured. For instance, a qubit can be in a combination of |0> and |1> at the same time, enabling quantum computers to process large amounts of information in parallel.

Quantum teleportation: A process that transfers quantum information (such as the state of a qubit) from one location to another without physically transmitting the qubit itself. This technique relies on quantum entanglement and classical communication and is essential for quantum communication and networking.

Quantum network: A network that connects quantum devices using entangled particles to facilitate secure communication and distributed quantum computing. The goal is to develop a quantum internet, where entanglement links quantum computers and devices over long distances.

Chapter 1 introduces microscopic methods, focusing on the principles of super-resolution optical microscopes such as sSNOM, confocal, and RAMAN. It explores their applications in in vitro investigations of cell cultures, tissues, bacteria, and materials used in biomedical engineering, as well as how sample characteristics are analyzed through images and graphs.

Chapter 2 covers spectral methods, including the principles behind them and their application at the molecular level. It also discusses hyperspectral analysis of nanoparticles used in biomedical techniques, highlighting the potential of these methods in detailed molecular investigations.

Chapter 3 delves into interferometric methods, explaining the principles of interferometry and its significance in biomedical engineering. It reviews the types of interferometers used, including optical tomography, and examines their applications in ophthalmology and dermatology. Additionally, it looks at biological parameters that can be calculated from interferometric images.

Chapter 4 focuses on methods that utilize lasers and fiber optics, covering laser therapy and surgery, including the equipment principles and their various applications. It also explores the principles and uses of optical traps in biomedical engineering.

In our laboratory, you have the opportunity to begin studying quantum optics, interferential techniques, or line arrays to generate entangled photons, which can then be used in experiments to test Bell's inequality, generate random quantum numbers, or illuminate diffractive elements.

You can also start research aimed at classifying cells or tissues using machine learning algorithms. The images for classification are uniquely captured through two advanced techniques for unlabeled samples: digital holographic microscopy and hyperspectral microscopy.

• Optics is the study of light's behavior, its interaction with matter, and the design of instruments that use light, such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. It primarily focuses on visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light, but also extends to other forms like X-rays and microwaves.

• Geometrical optics simplifies light as rays that change direction when passing through different media, while wave optics explains phenomena like diffraction and interference using the electromagnetic wave model. Wave optics has applications in telescopes, optical communications, and holography.

• Photonics studies light’s wave-particle duality, focusing on generating, detecting, and manipulating photons, with uses in digital communications and optical signals. Optoelectronics, a subset of photonics, involves devices that detect and process light, such as photodetectors and solar panels.

• Interference occurs when light waves overlap, creating patterns used in measurements and optical testing. Diffraction happens when light encounters obstacles, creating complex patterns. Holography records phase information from reflected or diffracted light to reconstruct 3D images, now enhanced by digital methods like digital holographic microscopy and computer-generated holograms.

• Holography involves two steps: recording the hologram through interference between a reference beam and an object beam, and reconstructing the image with software or by passing the reference beam through a holographic plate.