In this FAU LMQ People Spotlight, we interviewed the researcher Tanmay Kulkarni, who is working at the Research Unit at the Chair of Applied Physics, FAU since 2025.
What is your research topic? What is your current role?
I am a PhD student at the group of Prof. Dr. Heiko B. Weber at the Chair of Applied Physics, FAU. My research focuses on hybridizing spin physics, optics and mechanics in 4H-Silicon Carbide (4H-SiC). My work leverages our chairs capability to fabricate monolithic 4HSiC nanomechanical resonators. By applying controlled mechanical stress, much like tuning a guitar string, I aim to precisely tune these resonators to the spin transitions of Silicon Vacancy ( ) color centers. This will hopefully enable coherent coupling of mechanical motion and the quantum spin states, paving way for advanced spin-mechanical quantum technologies. Additionally, building on my master thesis, I continue to actively research quantum sensing using Nitrogen-Vacancy color centers in diamond. Furthermore, as a part of NOMAD lab and CAMELS I develop ontology-based tools for research data management and automated experimental configuration.
How your research is linked to the research foci of the FAU LMQ?
My work is a direct physical realization of Light, Matter, and Quantum. I fabricate 4H-SiC “matter” into nanomechanical resonators and primarily use “light” and microwaves to manipulate the “quantum” spin states of color centers in both 4H-SiC and Diamond.
What do you find most fascinating in your research?
The most fascinating aspect of my work is having direct control over the fundamental quantum spin states of color centers. Beyond the physics, I simply love the hands on experience of setting up and using advanced lab equipments. Bringing them together to physically manipulate the quantum realm is what makes the research so enjoyable for me.
When I am not working at the FAU, then …
Outside of work, I love getting creative with new recipes in the kitchen. As a dedicated Arsenal F.C. supporter watching them play is always a highlight of my week. Beyond that, I always catch up with my family in India over a video call. I spend the rest of my free time hanging out with friends.
Do you have a secret talent?
Not a secret talent but I do have a knack for planning trips. I love the challenge of organizing trips that maximize value without sacrificing comfort which is probably why I have become the designated travel coordinator for my friends.
What does a typical day in your working life look like?
My day at the office always starts with a coffee and discussions with colleagues over shared projects. I then try to tick off the tasks I assigned myself for the day, be it some fabrication steps, performing experiments in the lab, preparing and conducting tutorials, or some maintenance work at the facility I am responsible for. Besides this, coffee breaks and lunch at the Mensa with my colleagues is something I always look forward to.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I want to work in quantum tech industry, contributing toward real-world applications.
In this FAU LMQ People Spotlight, we interviewed the researcher Tanmay Kulkarni, who is working at the Research Unit at the Chair of Applied Physics, FAU since 2025.
What is your research topic? What is your current role?
I am a PhD student at the group of Prof. Dr. Heiko B. Weber at the Chair of Applied Physics, FAU. My research focuses on hybridizing spin physics, optics and mechanics in 4H-Silicon Carbide (4H-SiC). My work leverages our chairs capability to fabricate monolithic 4HSiC nanomechanical resonators. By applying controlled mechanical stress, much like tuning a guitar string, I aim to precisely tune these resonators to the spin transitions of Silicon Vacancy ( ) color centers. This will hopefully enable coherent coupling of mechanical motion and the quantum spin states, paving way for advanced spin-mechanical quantum technologies. Additionally, building on my master thesis, I continue to actively research quantum sensing using Nitrogen-Vacancy color centers in diamond. Furthermore, as a part of NOMAD lab and CAMELS I develop ontology-based tools for research data management and automated experimental configuration.
How your research is linked to the research foci of the FAU LMQ?
My work is a direct physical realization of Light, Matter, and Quantum. I fabricate 4H-SiC “matter” into nanomechanical resonators and primarily use “light” and microwaves to manipulate the “quantum” spin states of color centers in both 4H-SiC and Diamond.
What do you find most fascinating in your research?
The most fascinating aspect of my work is having direct control over the fundamental quantum spin states of color centers. Beyond the physics, I simply love the hands on experience of setting up and using advanced lab equipments. Bringing them together to physically manipulate the quantum realm is what makes the research so enjoyable for me.
When I am not working at the FAU, then …
Outside of work, I love getting creative with new recipes in the kitchen. As a dedicated Arsenal F.C. supporter watching them play is always a highlight of my week. Beyond that, I always catch up with my family in India over a video call. I spend the rest of my free time hanging out with friends.
Do you have a secret talent?
Not a secret talent but I do have a knack for planning trips. I love the challenge of organizing trips that maximize value without sacrificing comfort which is probably why I have become the designated travel coordinator for my friends.
What does a typical day in your working life look like?
My day at the office always starts with a coffee and discussions with colleagues over shared projects. I then try to tick off the tasks I assigned myself for the day, be it some fabrication steps, performing experiments in the lab, preparing and conducting tutorials, or some maintenance work at the facility I am responsible for. Besides this, coffee breaks and lunch at the Mensa with my colleagues is something I always look forward to.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I want to work in quantum tech industry, contributing toward real-world applications.