David Hunger

Prof. David Hunger leads the Cavity Quantum Optics Group at the Physics Institute (PHI) of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His research focuses on optically addressable spins in condensed matter, cavity-enhanced light-matter interactions, and quantum photonics with applications in sensing, spectroscopy, and quantum computing. The group develops fiber-based microcavities for coherent spin-photon interfaces, rare-earth ion qubits, and cavity-enhanced imaging of nanoscale systems.

Notable projects include the BMBF-funded NEQSIS and SPINNING initiatives for quantum communication and diamond-based quantum computing. The group also pioneered Qlibri, a spin-off company commercializing optical fiber microcavities for quantum optics and microscopy. Recent breakthroughs include record spin coherence in SnV centers and ultra-stable nanopositioning platforms for cryogenic experiments.

• Affiliations: Faculty of Physics, KIT; Max Planck School of Photonics
• Grants: BMBF Grand Challenge (Quantum Communication), BMBF SPINNING (Diamond Qubits)
• Labs/Teams: Cavity Quantum Optics Group, Qlibri spin-off

Students and postdocs in the group work on topics like collective cavity effects, molecular spin platforms, and cavity-enhanced sensing of liquid-phase nanosystems.