On This Episode
Under the Microscope welcomes Carlos Anton Solanas, a researcher from the Autonomous University of Madrid. Solanas talks with host Pranoti Kshirsagar about his work in quantum communications, specifically his research on single photons and materials like hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). He describes how his favorite experiment began with a mistake in the lab, but one that led to some surprising findings on quantum entanglement. He also discusses why he loves international scientific collaboration, and why he wouldn’t mind a brand-new coffee machine in his lab.
About the Guest: Carlos Anton Solanas
Carlos Anton Solanas is a researcher at the Autonomous University of Madrid, specializing in experimental quantum optics and quantum materials. Solanas has worked with some of Europe’s leading quantum physicists – including current and future QuanTour guests. He completed his P.h.D. in 2015.
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6 Science Talk Takeaways
The Research: Solanas discusses the importance of single photons in quantum communication and the difference between “hot” (room temperature) and “cold” (cryogenic temperature) single photons. His research focuses on “hot” single photons emitted by defects in hexagonal boron nitride, which allow quantum communication without ultra-cold conditions. Well, if that doesn’t sound steamy, we’re not sure what does!
Career Journey: Solanas shares details about his academic background, and how international collaborations have played a key role in his research success.
Favorite Experiment: Carlos’s favorite experiment started as an accident. His team was trying to excite and de-excite a quantum dot, which led to the creation of an entangled state using vacuum and single photons. “I still enjoy talking about this experiment in conferences, and discussing it with people,” Solanas tells Under the Microscope. “It’s simple, it’s nice, and it’s rich physics,” he adds.
Beyond the Lab: Carlos is a professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid, where he loves to see his students expand and build on his own research.
Three Wishes: Solanas thinks a lot less bureaucratic paperwork would benefit both science and international collaboration. He also wishes he had unlimited funds – and an unlimited supply of the finest coffee. And a new Jura coffee machine for his lab, in any listeners can hook him up.
Real Scientists Nano Talk: Solonas will show people what his work is like at his university. He also wants to showcase his academic institution, and why Madrid is a great city — for scientific research, and beyond.
Notable Quotes
On his research: “You want to make things. You want to understand things that are extremely complex. This is where the forefront of knowledge lies.”
On teaching: “It’s amazing to see that the knowledge I pass on to my students can be greatly overcome by them. They can take what I teach and bring research even farther than what I do.”
Oh why he prefers working with “hot” single photons: “At room temperature, you can still get this kind of quantum emission. You don’t need cryostats or ultra-cold temperatures, which makes it much easier to use in real-world applications.”