KSQM Fall School 2025: Expert Lectures on Quantum Optics, Superconductivity, and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

The KIT Graduate School of Quantum Matter (KSQM) successfully hosted its Fall School from October 6-8, 2025, welcoming 25 participants for an intensive program centered around three major lecture series by leading experts in quantum matter research.

Professor David Hunger opened the school with his comprehensive introduction to quantum optics, providing participants with foundational knowledge in this essential field. Professor Jörg Schmalian followed with an in-depth exploration of the theory of superconductivity, focusing on macroscopic coherence and topology. The lecture program concluded with Professor Wulf Wulfhekel's extensive coverage of scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, taking participants from fundamental principles to state-of-the-art techniques.

The program also showcased current research through presentations by early-career researchers. Dr. Charanpreet Singh discussed phenomena beyond Heisenberg exchange, Dr. Mathieu Fechant explored superconducting qubit readout challenges, and Dr. Tristan Thebault presented on magnetic-field induced superconductivity in heavy fermion systems. Additional talks covered topics ranging from hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on iridates (Dr. Ji Soo Lim) to quantum circuits with carbon nanotubes (Dr. Tino Cubaynes).

A particular highlight was the visit to the WBK Research Factory, where David Kraus from POLIS led sessions on post-lithium-ion battery technology, combining theoretical insights with practical demonstrations.