QDNL Visitor's Programme Update: Sergio Muñoz Tapasco
Quantum Delta NL invites talented individuals to participate in our community through multiple collaborative channels. The goal is to leave no talent behind by accommodating the goals and educational trajectory of prospective members.
Our visitor programme aspires to further broaden the international appeal of Quantum Delta NL by offering sabbatical stays and supporting exchange visits for PhD students, postdocs, and other stakeholders across the QDNL network.
Our outgoing visitors serve as ambassadors who visit leading institutions across the globe to learn the latest techniques and innovations and spread our knowledge while helping form important collaborations.
You can also apply for funding for a sabbatical, exchange visit, workshop, summer school, and more. The programme is open to applications across the domains of science, education, and Industry!
Interested in visiting the Dutch quantum community or one of your partners outside of the Netherlands? Visit the QDNL Visitor’s programme page for all info on conditions and how to apply, or contact Liran Naaman at the bottom of the page.
This time we highlight the outbound visit of Sergio Muñoz Tapasco.
Sergio Muñoz Tapasco, Reseracher from the University Tecnológica de Pereira, visited Eindhoven University of Technology
Sergio shared: "The goal of my visit was to design Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for quantum communication, focusing on QKD transceivers. Through the JePPIX Course, hands-on lab activities, and the use of Ansys Lumerical, I observed expected chip behaviors, improving design efficiency. Additionally, a Python-based design with Nazca and IMOS streamlined the process.
The purpose of my trip was to design a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) aimed at generating quantum states that will enable the use of QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) transceivers capable of supporting multiple QKD protocols within a single PIC. This effort was complemented by attending the JePPIX Immersion Course held at TU/e, where I gained in-depth knowledge of PIC design, process technologies, and best practices. The training involved using state-of-the-art tools such as Ansys Lumerical, Luceda Photonics, Nazca, Photon Design, and VPIphotonics, which are critical for achieving compact, programmable, and high-speed QKD transceivers, essential for advancing secure quantum communication technologies."
Every experience during my stay was memorable. The JePPIX Immersion Course at TU/e provided me with hands-on experience, including cleanroom work and measurement lab activities, which were both challenging and enriching. Additionally, adapting to a new routine in a different country with distinct cultural models pushed me out of my comfort zone in many positive ways.
"One particularly memorable aspect was communicating directly with native speakers in a foreign language, which greatly improved my confidence and language skills. The diverse and international environment at TU/e allowed me to connect with people from various cultural backgrounds, broadening my perspective and helping me adopt valuable habits and practices for my personal and professional growth.
The Dutch culture, being more reserved compared to Colombian culture, initially felt challenging. However, understanding their reserved nature as a cultural trait rather than a lack of respect helped me appreciate their way of life. Their direct communication style, especially when expressing emotions or addressing challenges, positively influenced my professional approach by encouraging clarity and straightforwardness.
This cultural immersion allowed me to adapt to new ways of problem-solving, especially in collaborative environments where precision and efficiency are highly valued. Additionally, the supportive and collaborative atmosphere among colleagues and instructors at TU/e further enhanced my ability to work effectively in diverse and multicultural settings."
One of the key discoveries was the educational methodologies used at TU/e, which differ significantly from those at my home university. The hands-on approach in the JePPIX Immersion Course, combined with direct access to cutting-edge software tools such as Ansys Lumerical, Luceda Photonics and VPIphotonics exposed me to innovative learning techniques and design practices that I had not encountered before.
"Weekly supervision meetings with experts and colleagues left a profound impact on me. During these meetings, I was assigned tasks that deepened my understanding of quantum entanglement and PIC design for QKD systems.
The guidance provided by industry professionals and researchers at TU/e and their willingness to share their expertise fostered a highly collaborative and motivating environment. These interactions not only enhanced my technical skills but also encouraged critical thinking and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on my approach to problem-solving.
The insights gained during my visit to TU/e have direct applications in my home institution's photonics and quantum computing lab, which is relatively small compared to the facilities at TU/e.
By understanding the tools, processes, and best practices required to establish a well-functioning laboratory, I can contribute to expanding our lab’s capabilities in Colombia. Sharing this knowledge with my colleagues and implementing the lessons learned will inspire new projects and collaborations, ultimately fostering growth in our academic community and advancing the local research ecosystem in photonics and quantum technologies."
