Antariksha Das

Antariksha Das, Ph.D. Student at QuTech & Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, TU Delft (Delft, The Netherlands), visiting Dr. Daniel Oi at the Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde

As a Ph.D. student at QuTech, TU Delft, my research has been focused on designing, building, and deploying novel experimental systems at the forefront of long-distance quantum communication technology. In particular, I have been exploring the potential of quantum memory systems to create an efficient light-matter interface. During the fourth year of my Ph.D., I learned about INSQT, an international research network that focuses on developing quantum technologies for space applications. As my research interests closely aligned with INSQT’s mission, I began researching the organization and came across several papers on space quantum communication written by Dr. Daniel Oi, principal investigator of INSQT.

Intrigued by Dr. Oi’s work, I contacted him to discuss my research interests and some unconventional ideas I had. I was thrilled when he promptly responded to my email and invited me for an academic visit to the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde, where he works. With the support of INSQT’s research exchange program, I was able to visit INSQT and was hosted by Daniel.

Daniel’s expertise in fundamental aspects of quantum theory, quantum engineering, the theory of quantum computation, and quantum space science and technologies made him an excellent collaborator to discuss my ideas. We delved into some of the most interesting open problems in quantum communication, and our discussion helped bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and experimental development.

As an experimentalist, I rarely have the chance to spend significant time on theoretical modeling. However, my research discussion with Daniel helped me appreciate the state-of-the-art in quantum communication technology and how it could be used in space applications. Our collaboration resulted in a fruitful project that would have been impossible without the support of INSQT.

During my visit, which lasted for three days, I had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Paul Griffin, Co-investigator of INSQT. I also got a glimpse of various research activities that were going on in the department, which created a beautiful research environment that provided platforms to learn and gain experience by working with people with diverse scientific backgrounds and disciplines.

Overall, my visit to INSQT and collaboration with Dr. Daniel Oi was an enriching experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the state-of-the-art of quantum communication. I am grateful to INSQT for their support and look forward to continued collaboration with Daniel and other members of the network