Klaus Ensslin co-receipient of the EPS Edison Volta Prize 2020

Professor Klaus Ensslin (D-PHYS) has been awarded the 2020 Edison Volta Prize of the European Physical Society (EPS), jointly with Dieter Weiss (University of Regensburg) and Jurgen Smet (Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research), "for their seminal contributions to condensed matter nano-science".

by Andreas Heinz Trabesinger
Klaus Ensslin
Klaus Ensslin (Photo: ETH Zurich/D-​PHYS Heidi Hostettler)

Klaus Ensslin receives the prize for his discoveries connected with nonequilibrium phenomena in quantum dots, including the emission of microwave radiation from double quantum dots and the time-resolved tunnelling dynamics in the occupation of biased quantum dots. The demonstration of strong coupling between a single spin or a single electron with a single photon in a resonator – the building block for long-distant correlation of semiconductor quantum bits and a crucial step towards quantum information processing – was a ground-breaking contribution of Ensslin’s group. Starting originally with quantum dots in GaAs, Ensslin is now a world-leading figure in the realization of single and double quantum dots in single and bilayer graphene.

Dieter Weiss is awarded the prize for discovering a spectacular new quantum phenomenon, the 'Weiss Oscillations', whereas Jurgen Smet is recognized for the demonstration, in cooperation with Weiss, of the so-called Hofstadter butterfly and the correctness of the Composite Fermion concept, a new quasiparticle consisting of a combination of an electron and two flux quanta, as well as for the exploration of the special properties of composite fermions.

(Source: external pageEPS news release)

EPS Edison Volta Prize

external pageThe EPS Edison Volta Prizeestablished in 2011 and awarded for the first time in 2012 – promotes excellence in research and is given in recognition of outstanding research and achievements in physics. It is awarded biennially to individuals or groups of up to three people. The Prize consists of a cash award of Euro 10,000 for the prize winner(s), as well as a diploma and a medal.

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