Quantum Transduction
Connecting quantum systems across long distances
Exploratory Photonics
Exploring novel photonic computing approaches by harnessing quantum-optical effects
Neuromorphic Devices & Systems
Developing technologies for computing tomorrow’s AI
In-memory computing
Memory devices, compute cores and applications such as deep learning and neuro-symbolic AI
Neuro-Vector-Symbolic Architecture
Processing with vectors for incremental and fast larning, and transparent computing
High-Speed I/O Links
Designing the next generation High-Speed I/O Links targeting low power consumption, low latency and small silicon area
Atom and Molecule Manipulation
Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy
Cryogenic Electronics
Developing electronic nanoscale devices that leverage cryogenic environments
Tape research
Storage solutions for Big Data
III–V Material Integration on Silicon
Investigating the semiconductor of choice for the electronics industry
Scanning Single Electron Transistor
Batch producible scanning SET sensors with superior resolution and bandwidth for ultra-sensitive electric field imaging
Flow-chemistry Reactors for Catalysis
Silicon microfluidics for combinatorial screening of catalytic reaction pathways for accelerated material discovery and chemical conversion
Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center
State-of-the-art research facility
Join our team
We are currently looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic software engineers and researchers.
Contact
Heike Riel
Department Head, IBM Fellow
Meet our researchers
3 Questions for Victoria Clerico
How did you end up in your current job position?
I come from a background of AI and electrical engineering. My current role feels like the perfect mix of both disciplines, where I explore cutting-edge AI while staying grounded in the hardware that makes it possible. During my master’s in the US, I was introduced to neuromorphic computing, and it changed my perspective on AI. The idea of taking inspiration from the brain to optimize AI's 'artificial' part fascinated me—it felt like the perfect union of nature and technology. That’s when I realized I wanted to explore this field further, and this is one of the best places in the world to make that happen.
What are you most excited about in your work at the moment?
Our group has spent years developing this novel, cutting-edge analog technology, laying a strong foundation with their hard work and dedication. Now, I have the role of bridging this technology to practical AI applications, demonstrating its potential and tackling real-life problems. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my contributions complement their efforts, bringing their long-standing vision closer to practical use. Watching it all come together is both inspiring and fulfilling.
What is your favorite part of working at the lab?
The incredible learning environment. Being surrounded by such talented individuals has impacted how I approach research and science. It’s a highly cooperative space where I learn not just from a technical perspective but also personally. The lab has an amazing vibe, with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, all bringing unique perspectives and working together to create something meaningful. It’s inspiring to see how everyone’s passion and creativity come together to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.
3 Questions for Anna Fischer
What brought you to IBM Research?
Science has always fascinated me. I still remember a monthly subscription to an experiment kit I had as a child. However, I could never decide which of the sciences interested me the most. So I went on to study Interdisciplinary Sciences with a focus on chemistry and physics at ETH Zurich. Eventhough I enjoyed the multiple research projects I did in inorganic chemisty, I decided to try something new for my Master's thesis and came to IBM Research for a project on III-V semiconductor nanolasers. Photonics and nanofabrication combine my favourite aspects of chemistry and physics and I decided to pursue a career in this field, starting with a PhD.
What was the scientific highlight of your PhD?
During my PhD, I studied different types of III-V lasing cavities. My highlight was the work on our network random laser [1]. Unlike in traditional laser cavities, where resonant modes define lasing, in random lasers, multiple scattering along random paths creates positive feedback at many wavelengths. We fabricated designed random networks of InP on a chip. The random laser has a plethora of lasing modes that are extremely sensitive towards the optical pump pattern. This sensitivity enabled us to use it for machine vision [2].
Now, I would like to use my experience to create new types of computing platforms that include photonics and make future computing run faster and more energy efficient.
Why did you decide to stay at IBM Research in Zurich?
Over the course of my studies and the PhD, I have been part of many groups in multiple institutions and countries, and the atmosphere here at IBM Research is my favorite. This is due to the unique combination of people, facilities, and research opportunities. Of course, the state-of-the art facilities and equipment are a huge benefit, but it’s the people that give this lab its energy. Everyone is working hard to create impactful research, still they will always take time if you come to them with a question or ask for help. This gives me the unique feeling that we are all here together to create our future.
3 Questions for Daniel Egger
How did you end up in your current position?
After graduating from a PhD in quantum control theory for superconducting qubits I left academia to work as a financial risk manager at an asset management firm. After 1.5 years in this role, I learnt that IBM Research in Zurich had an open post-doc position in quantum control for superconducting hardware and thus joined the team. By leveraging my knowledge of finance, I then transitioned to applications of quantum computing research, publishing first how quantum computing may impact finance. From there on, I organically grew into my current role where I work on diverse topics such as error mitigation, quantum software, and applications of QC such as combinatorial optimization and natural systems.
Are there any exciting recent findings from your work?
On November 20th, 2024, we published a paper in Nature on combining quantum processors with real-time classical communication. The work was a close collaboration between IBM Research in Zurich and Yorktown. This project demonstrates a complex quantum workload run across two classically connected quantum processors with 127 qubits each. This is an important step that demonstrates how classical and quantum resources can be leveraged in quantum information processing. It increases the computational power available and expands the range of possibilities for developing complex algorithms.
When you come here in the morning, what are you looking forward to the most?
Interacting with my colleagues. We have a lot of brilliant people at IBM Research. Interacting with them is a highlight of working here. Brainstorming with outstanding people helps solve problems and develop new solutions. Personally, it also helps me grow and learn. Many good ideas are often first conceived over a coffee or lunch.
3 Questions for Sofieke ten Kate
How did you end up at IBM Research?
I did an internship at IBM Research working on neuromorphic devices as part of my master’s degree at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Then I wanted to do a master’s thesis here on a more fundamental physics topic and joined Fabrizio Nichele’s team. We were working on Andreev bound states, I really liked what we were doing, and we had some cool results; so I stayed for a PhD.
What are you most excited about in your work at the moment?
We just published a paper about Andreev bound states in planar Germanium, which was really cool. We induced superconductivity and could for the first time see the energies of these sub-gap states. We recently upgraded the measurement setup and now the plots are really beautiful, we can now really “see” how these states in Germanium evolve as we tune the device parameters. Now the big question is “what we are seeing”. Is it this phenomenon or that one? This is really cool.
Why did you decide to stay at IBM Research in Zurich?
Why I really wanted to stay at this lab is that I felt like that there was so much happening and it’s very vibrant. You can really get involved in multiple projects, talk to different people when you get stuck somewhere and you really make progress. You can really be part of many things if you want. My internship was only six months, but I learned so much and made huge progress that it inspired me to continue working here.