Doing a PhD at DLR: exciting research at the forefront of quantum computing
Thorge Müller is a PhD student at DLR, which puts him at the centre of cutting-edge research into quantum computers. In a short interview, he told us how he came to DLR and what the travelling salesman problem has to do with his work.
The year before last, Thorge Müller typed the words "Monte Carlo simulation" and "job" into a search engine and promptly landed on a job advertisement at DLR. Thorge, who had studied theoretical physics in Braunschweig and Heidelberg, was looking for an exciting new career challenge. After several years of professional experience at a software company in the medical field, Thorge knew he wanted to get back into research and hoped that his new job would allow him to combine physics, mathematics and computer science. He was enthusiastic about the doctoral position advertised at DLR, as the position in the Quantum Computing group ticked all these boxes.
"We learn first"
At the Institute of Software Technology, Thorge is working on complex issues related to the future possibilities of quantum computers. According to Thorge, this is "an area of innovative research where a lot will happen in the near future". "We are learning first" is the motto - because it is not really possible to predict in the here and now what the performance of a quantum computer will look like in the near future. "Research on quantum computers is still in its infancy. But what is clear is that quantum computers have revolutionary potential. We expect them to be able to provide much more complex and faster computing power than so-called supercomputers," says Thorge. That is why he and his colleagues need to make progress in small steps.
Optimised airport logistics thanks to quantum computers
Under the impressive working title "Non-stoquastic driver (to push the system transition between states) in quantum approximate optimization algorithms“ , Thorge has summarised his research results in a doctoral thesis. When asked about his day-to-day work at DLR, Thorge explains: "At the moment, we are investigating combinatorial optimisation problems such as the 'travelling salesman problem' and running algorithms on quantum computers. Thanks to a collaboration with NASA, DLR has access to a quantum computer in the USA. But how can quantum computers be used in aerospace in the future? Thorge gives one example of an application: "It's about the gate problem, for example: how should aircraft be distributed to the gates at the airport so that as many passengers as possible have the shortest possible routes to the gates of their connecting flights?
Why do a doctorate at DLR?
Doing a doctorate at DLR has advantages for everyone involved. Doctoral students at DLR have the opportunity to be directly involved in an ongoing research project and to work at the forefront of aerospace, with the resources of a world-class research centre behind them. In turn, the supervising university and DLR stay in touch through the doctoral student and keep abreast of the latest developments in the respective research projects.
Thorge really enjoys his work at DLR. He particularly enjoys the combination of highly theoretical work and concrete real-life applications. As a PhD student, Thorge feels on an equal footing with his colleagues in the team. He praises the flat hierarchy in Simulation and Software Technology, which contributes to the informal atmosphere among colleagues.
Click here for more information on doctoral studies at DLR.