Context and objectives

Quantum technologies (QT) are booming worldwide. In France, where quantum physics is a field of research excellence (Nobel Prize in Physics 1997-2007-2012-2022; Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023), this boom has led to the creation of start-ups from the academic world, aiming to develop quantum computers and quantum sensors for applications in physics, chemistry, and biology. Many large companies are interested in these themes: depending on their field of activity, they may have dedicated research groups (Thalès, EDF, Airbus), or test quantum algorithms on startup platforms to better model materials (Total), or the evolution of financial markets (Crédit Agricole).

USPN offers a Master’s degree to train students to work on experimental quantum devices as soon as they graduate, or to start an industrial or academic thesis. The emphasis is on technical skills that qualify students to quickly take control of an experimental device. Students also acquire a solid grounding in the various fields of quantum physics, enabling them to understand the problems they will encounter, and play an active part in solving them. The Quantum Technologies Master’s program offered by USPN stands out from other Masters programs in this field in the Paris region, which are very fundamental-oriented courses.

Skills and networks

To ensure the success of this training program, we draw on solid skills and powerful networks.

Pedagogical skills

Quantum physics is the field of research for 15 teaching researchers and researchers at the Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL). This enables them to teach as closely as possible to the latest technological and scientific developments in quantum physics.

Many USPN teaching researchers teach “Physics of the Measurement Chain” courses (analog electronics, digital electronics, signal processing, acquisition, control), in existing Institut Galilée courses at USPN (Bachelor Sciences for Engineering, specializing in Instrumentation and Telecom).

For courses focusing on quantum technologies, local skills also exist, particularly in optics and cleanroom techniques (USPN has a Nanotechnology Proximity Center). They will be supplemented by external participants in M2, from startups or major companies, for purposes of openness and illustration, with a dedicated 3 ECTS UE. Slots will be booked in M2 for visits to startups. Last but not least, colleagues from LIPN and LAGA will be taking part in seminars on the latest developments in quantum computing.

Research skills

USPN’s Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL) is very active in the field of quantum physics, with four experiments producing quantum gases, teams specializing in atomic interferometry and spectroscopy, and a metrology team involved in piloting the ultrastable frequency dissemination network (Refimeve). Research teams from other laboratories are also involved in these themes (magnetism at LSPM, post-quantum cryptography at LIPN and algorithms for quantum computers at LAGA).

Infrastructures for research

To accelerate the development of QT at national level, the French government has selected the QuanTEdu project as part of France 2030. USPN is a member of this consortium.

As part of this project, we have set up several experiments that will be used to illustrate the Master’s courses: photoelectric effect, saturated absorption, photon statistics…