Let’s introduce to our audience Dr. Sana Amairi Pyka! Who are you? If you had to describe yourself in 1 sentence, what would you say?

I am a scientist. With over 15 years of experience in quantum photonics labs, and a passion for the Space sector, I focus on merging the best of both worlds to enhance our everyday life.

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What are the most
A- Fascinating research
B- Impactful research
C- Fun and whimsical research
You are leading these days?

Fascinating research: I find the quantum behavior of photons fascinating, especially the ability to switch between particle and wave states, their entanglement, polarization states, the no-cloning theorem, and more. A deep understanding of these phenomena leads to incredible applications, like the work we are doing now in the quantum communications labs at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). I am also amazed by Quantum Logic Spectroscopy, where we use quantum coupling between a well-controlled "logic" ion and a "spectroscopy" ion to precisely measure the properties of the spectroscopy ion, even when it cannot be detected directly. This method can also be applied to photons.

Impactful research: Optical atomic clocks are highly impactful quantum sensors, as they are used to define 6 out of the 7 base units of the International System of Units (SI), in addition to being clocks that won’t experience a time error over the age of the universe. Quantum communications, particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), can revolutionize the way we encrypt and store our data.

Fun and whimsical research: The most fun I have is when my projects become space-related, such as using stable lasers for gravitational waves detection between distant satellites (LISA pathfinder project), or my current project, ADQOGS. ADQOGS: Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station is the first and largest telescope in the region dedicated to satellite-based secure optical communications. 

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Quantum key distribution sounds like something out of a futuristic spy movie…but how does it actually work?

Quantum key Distribution (QKD) uses the quantum properties of photons to exchange encryption keys. These keys are then used as symmetric keys for encryption of secure communications. If an eavesdropper tries to intercept the key, the laws of quantum mechanics ensure that their presence is detected, because any attempt to measure a photon’s quantum system unavoidably disturbs it. This makes QKD particularly reliable and quantum secure against the most powerful computers including quantum computers. Given the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats and the profound economic and ecological risks posed by a potential global cyberattack—such as disruptions to energy systems, financial markets, and environmental safety—the advancements in secure communications have become essential. While the integration of Post-Quantum Cryptography is an inevitable step, the development of quantum-based technologies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers unparalleled security for critical sectors such as defense, energy grids, and essential infrastructure. Quantum encryption impacts every aspect of our daily lives, from safeguarding medical data, for example, to ensuring the sustainability of our planet with smart grids.‍

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The quantum world is famously difficult to visualize. Can you describe one of your favorite quantum experiments or technologies that still amazes you, even as an expert in the field?

When I was a student, the wave-particle duality of photons, also called Young’s interference experiment, was the first experiment that made me want to become a quantum scientist. It's magical, yet very simple to implement particularly in a classroom. If you shine a light source in front of two closely spaced slits, you might expect two bright spots on a screen behind the slits, corresponding to the paths the light takes through each slit. However, what you actually observe is an interference pattern of alternating bright and dark bands, suggesting that the light behaves like a wave and the waves from the two slits interfere with each other. Now, if you dim the light source so that only one photon passes through the slits at a time, you would expect each photon to behave like a particle and just hit the screen in a straight line. Surprisingly, over time, the individual photons still create the same interference pattern as if they "knew" about both slits, indicating wave-like behavior. This shows the dual nature of photons, where they can act as both particles and waves simultaneously.

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AI…AI…AI…is AI doing anything useful in your field as a quantum communications expert?

Of course, AI and Machine learning (ML) are after all the processing of large amounts of data via statistical techniques, which is also what we do as scientists in various fields and particularly in quantum communications. AI algorithms are employed for error correction and noise reduction in QKD, helping to predict and mitigate environmental noise, which is crucial for maintaining secure quantum links. Scalability, network optimization and resource management can also benefit largely from AI, and there are very recent publications on this topic particularly. 

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If you could design an experiment without any limitations of time or money… what would it be?

I really loved this question. As I came from different lab environments, so we’ve always faced either less money or less time, and you start to imagine what you could do, if only! If I had an unlimited budget and time as a physicist, I would design a large-scale experiment to test the quantum superposition of gravitational waves, in space of course, as this will directly explore the nature of quantum gravity, a fundamental yet unresolved issue in physics.

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If you could have a superhero power. What would it be?

Put my girls to sleep at the same time everyday without struggle! I believe parents in science can identify easily :-)

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Mystery dinner party…Dead or Alive, who would be 3 guests you would invite to your dinner party?

I would select from the living people to increase my chances: Sting (Gordon Matthew Thomas Summer), Lotfi Bouchnak (huge in Tunisia) and my dear husband Karsten, as I can't enjoy such dinner without him! 

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If you could leave a question for the next guest, what would that be?

When do you think it’s time to consider quantum computers as a threat?

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What emerging technology or breakthrough in your field do you believe will have the most profound impact on the future of biosensors and nanotechnology, and how do you envision it transforming both scientific research and everyday applications?

I believe that quantum sensors, with their extreme sensitivity at the atomic level, are set to revolutionize biosensors and nanotechnology. They can detect minute changes in magnetic and electric fields, making them ideal for medical imaging and diagnostics like advanced MRIs. In nanotechnology, these sensors enable precise monitoring of molecular processes, which can lead to breakthroughs in targeted drug delivery and real-time cellular analysis. This technology promises significant advancements in early disease detection and personalized medicine.

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What is your favorite equation...and why...what does it signify?

I really like Maxwell's equations—four elegant equations that explain how electromagnetic waves behave. They also account for many everyday technologies we rely on, from radios to the mobile phones in our pockets!