Since March 2026, a new international scholar has been working at the University of Augsburg: Dr Beatriz Pérez González has come to Augsburg on a Humboldt Research Fellowship for postgraduate researchers. Prof. Mónica Benito González, head of the working group for quantum information and quantum computing, is hosting González at the Institute of Physics.

Building block for quantum computers

In Augsburg, González is conducting research on fundamental interactions between light and matter in semiconductor systems. Her research focuses on semiconductor spin qubits: quantum bits, or qubits, are the fundamental processing unit of quantum computers. In contrast to classic computer bits, which only recognise the states of “0” or “1”, qubits can take on multiple states simultaneously. This promises enormous computing power but also poses major challenges for research. 

One approach to realising qubits is based on the tiny magnetic properties of electrons, the so-called spin. Such spin-based qubits count as a promising basis for scalable quantum technologies. So that quantum computers can one day be practically useful, many qubits must be reliably connected, controlled, and be able to be read out. However, it is not yet understood how this can be achieved.

Coupling qubits

González’s idea is to couple spin-qubits through electromagnetic light in the microwave range. This could help to link distant qubits on a chip, which is an important prerequisite for quantum computers.  

For this, she has developed theoretical models. These could serve as a guideline for future experiments. “What interests me is what happens when light and matter strongly interact with one another in semiconductor spin qubits, so that that they allow for the use of new physical effects. With my theoretical models, I would like to identify realistic device designs where this regime could be reached and used,” explains González.

Stimulating environment for own research

González completed her doctorate in physics in 2023 at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. In her doctoral thesis, she researched topological systems in the interaction with classical and quantum light. During her doctorate, she worked at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid (ICMM-CSIC) supported by an FPU fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Universities. She continued as a postdoctoral researcher for another year before joining the Institute of Physics at the University of Augsburg in March 2024.

“For me, the Humboldt Fellowship is an opportunity to develop an independent research direction in a very stimulating environment. Augsburg is a particularly good place for this project because it brings together expertise in quantum information, semiconductor systems, and condensed matter physics.”

Humboldt Research Fellowship

The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables outstanding researchers from abroad to undertake a research stay of up to 24 months in Germany. Through the programme, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation promotes outstanding researchers and supports them with individual supervision through a broad and diverse network. 

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