Quantum simulation
Development of quantum algorithms for the simulation of solid state physics and material science.
Physicist · Quantum Computing Researcher
Dr. Peter Ken
Schuhmacher — Quantum Computing Research
Research at the intersection of quantum algorithms, hardware, and software.
DLR Institute of Software Technology
Google Scholar profile01 / Research
Methods for Quantum Computing in Hardware-Software-Codesign.
Quantum optimization
Combinatorial optimization, quantum annealing, and hybrid quantum–classical methods for near-term systems.
Hardware-aware compilation
Error-aware methods that adapt quantum algorithms to the constraints and characteristics of real devices.
Quantum software
Software stacks, ecosystem design, benchmarking, and the interfaces connecting applications to quantum hardware.
Open quantum systems
Controlled decoherence, quantum stochastic walks, and the use of environmental effects as a computational resource.
02 / Current work
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative
Project leadership and hardware-near research
ALQU
Algorithms for quantum computer development through hardware–software co-design.
ALQU addresses a central challenge of current NISQ systems: quantum algorithms must account for the properties, limitations, and errors of real hardware.
The work focuses on error-aware and hardware-specific compilation, bringing algorithm design and physical architectures into closer alignment.
03 / Selected publications
Recent work across the quantum computing stack.
2026Asymmetric quantum error correction efficiently tackles application-specific noise effectsarXiv:2609.072352026QCI Connect: A Modular Full-Stack Quantum Computing PlatformarXiv:2606.144562026Reducing Quantum Error Mitigation Bias Using Verifiable Benchmark CircuitsarXiv:2603.102242026Quantum Simulation of Magnetic Materials: from Ab-Initio to NISQarXiv:2605.106672025A mathematical justification to apply the secular approximation to the Redfield equationJournal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical · in press2024Quantum Software Ecosystem DesignSpringer Nature · Book chapter2023Mean-Field Approximate Optimization AlgorithmPRX Quantum 4, 0303352023Exact continuum representation of long-range interacting systems and emerging exotic phases in unconventional superconductorsPhys. Rev. Research 5, 043065 2021Quantum simulation of a discrete-time quantum stochastic walkEPL (Europhysics Letters) · Peer reviewed2021Decoherence as a Resource for Quantum InformationDoctoral dissertation · Saarland University2017Quantum simulation of a quantum stochastic walkQuantum Science and Technology · Peer reviewed
04 / Talks & teaching
Teaching and communicating quantum computing.
QC Software Stack
QCI All Hands, Ulm
Computing with Quantum Computers
Invited Code for Thought podcast
QCI Project ALQU
DLR webinar · Quantum Computing Fundamentals
ALQU: A DLR-QCI Project
World Quantum Day, Hamburg
Quantum Optimization
Online Lecture
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Lectures
Lecture courses on quantum computing and quantum optimization for graduate students and professionals.
Seminars & webinars
Webinar formats on quantum computing fundamentals and quantum software, including DLR formats.
Workshops & tutorials
Hands-on sessions introducing researchers and industry partners to quantum algorithms and tools.
Supervision
Supervision of student projects and theses in quantum information and quantum software.