In this FAU LMQ People Spotlight, we interviewed the researcher Sandra Zech, who is working at the Chair for Optical Quantum Technologies at FAU since 2025 and is member of the FAU LMQ administration team since 2024.
What is your research topic? What is your current role?
I just finished my PhD in the field of structural and optical analysis of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots in the group of Prof. Janina Maultzsch at FAU. During my PhD phase I joined the FAU LMQ administration team, where I am responsible for different outreach activities and organizing events with my admin-colleagues. In 2025, I joined the group of Prof. Christoph Marquardt, where I work as a project manager and scientist in the field of quantum communication.
How is your research linked to the research foci of the FAU LMQ?
Being member of the FAU LMQ administration team is the most obvious link to the profile center. The research I did on quantum dots focused on light-matter interaction. Moreover, quantum communication is a core filed of quantum technologies. So, both areas are deeply connected to the core topics of the FAU LMQ.
What do you find most fascinating in your research?
In both my research topics I find most fascinating that they are connected to real world applications and show how the quantum world can influence modern technologies in our everyday lives. Quantum dots are widely used in QLED TVs for color purity and brightness. Quantum communication is crucial to make critical communication tap-safe in the future.
When I am not working at the FAU, then …
… I do sports (yoga, running, hiking), play Dungeons & Dragons, cuddling our two cats and enjoy ballroom dancing with my husband.
Do you have a secret talent?
I am a decent photographer.
What does a typical day in your working life look like?
My mornings start with a cup of tea while going through e-mails and planning my day. Usually there are a couple of meetings throughout the day with colleagues and other researchers/project managers of partner institutes. So, a huge amount of my day is communicating and planning projects. I am always looking forward to lunchtime or a short afternoon break with my colleagues. However, I am happiest when I can find the time for research and scientific discussions.
What are your plans for the future?
For now, I am looking forward to the final demonstration of the QuNET initiative in October. Where my path leads me afterwards, I have not decided yet but I can say that I find the field of quantum communication just as exciting as semiconductor nanocrystals.
(Image on top: Simon Weis)
In this FAU LMQ People Spotlight, we interviewed the researcher Sandra Zech, who is working at the Chair for Optical Quantum Technologies at FAU since 2025 and is member of the FAU LMQ administration team since 2024.
What is your research topic? What is your current role?
I just finished my PhD in the field of structural and optical analysis of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots in the group of Prof. Janina Maultzsch at FAU. During my PhD phase I joined the FAU LMQ administration team, where I am responsible for different outreach activities and organizing events with my admin-colleagues. In 2025, I joined the group of Prof. Christoph Marquardt, where I work as a project manager and scientist in the field of quantum communication.
How is your research linked to the research foci of the FAU LMQ?
Being member of the FAU LMQ administration team is the most obvious link to the profile center. The research I did on quantum dots focused on light-matter interaction. Moreover, quantum communication is a core filed of quantum technologies. So, both areas are deeply connected to the core topics of the FAU LMQ.
What do you find most fascinating in your research?
In both my research topics I find most fascinating that they are connected to real world applications and show how the quantum world can influence modern technologies in our everyday lives. Quantum dots are widely used in QLED TVs for color purity and brightness. Quantum communication is crucial to make critical communication tap-safe in the future.
When I am not working at the FAU, then …
… I do sports (yoga, running, hiking), play Dungeons & Dragons, cuddling our two cats and enjoy ballroom dancing with my husband.
Do you have a secret talent?
I am a decent photographer.
What does a typical day in your working life look like?
My mornings start with a cup of tea while going through e-mails and planning my day. Usually there are a couple of meetings throughout the day with colleagues and other researchers/project managers of partner institutes. So, a huge amount of my day is communicating and planning projects. I am always looking forward to lunchtime or a short afternoon break with my colleagues. However, I am happiest when I can find the time for research and scientific discussions.
What are your plans for the future?
For now, I am looking forward to the final demonstration of the QuNET initiative in October. Where my path leads me afterwards, I have not decided yet but I can say that I find the field of quantum communication just as exciting as semiconductor nanocrystals.
(Image on top: Simon Weis)