Andreas Wallraff

Andreas Wallraff is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics at ETH Zurich, where he leads cutting-edge research in quantum optics and quantum information processing using superconducting electronic circuits. His work focuses on large-bandwidth microwave techniques at ultra-low temperatures, leveraging ETH's FIRST laboratory clean room facilities for device fabrication. He actively collaborates within the Quantum Systems for Information Technology (QSIT) program and teaches advanced courses such as 'Quantum Science with Superconducting Circuits' (Autumn 2025).

Education:

• Imperial College London and RWTH Aachen (B.Sc. equivalent in Physics, 1994)
• RWTH Aachen (Diploma in Physics/M.Sc. equivalent, 1997)
• University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Ph.D. in Physics, 2000)

Wallraff's research centers on quantum-coherent phenomena in superconducting circuits, with emphasis on quantum optics implementations, qubit control, and quantum information processing. His group pioneers experimental techniques for observing quantum effects like energy level quantization and tunneling in macroscopic systems, building on his early work with Josephson vortex oscillators. Current efforts integrate microwave engineering with quantum error correction, multi-qubit architectures, and hybrid quantum systems involving semiconductors and graphene quantum dots.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward scalable quantum computing solutions, particularly in quantum error correction (surface codes, lattice surgery), multi-module processor integration, and real-time feedback control. Work spans fundamental quantum optics (photon-qubit coupling) to engineering challenges (flux control calibration, leakage reduction), with increasing focus on practical implementations for fault-tolerant systems.

Scientific Awards:

• Nicholas Kurti European Science Prize (2006) for 'decisive and innovative experiments on quantum mechanical effects in superconducting circuits'

Wallraff leads an active research group integrated into ETH's QSIT initiative, securing substantial grants for quantum processor development and cryogenic infrastructure. His team maintains collaborations across ETH on semiconductor quantum dots, atomic cavity QED, and single-molecule spectroscopy, while developing novel fabrication techniques like polymer spacer processes for 3D-integrated circuits. Future work targets loophole-free Bell tests, quantum networks, and real-time reinforcement learning for quantum control.

The group operates within ETH's Laboratorium für Festkörperphysik (HPF D 9), utilizing advanced cryogenic setups for 100-qubit-scale systems. They maintain close ties with Yale University (where Wallraff was a postdoc) and contribute to international quantum computing roadmaps through publications in high-impact journals.