The Gustafsson Prize has been awarded annually since 1991 in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, molecular biology and medicine. The prize brings more than half a million euros with it. It is handed out by the Swedish King Carl Gustaf. Swedish universities can nominate researchers, and the prize is managed by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Professor Val Zwiller mostly works at the Royal Technical University (KTH) in Stockholm. He spends 10% of his time at the TU Delft where he runs the high-tech company Single Quantum, housed in the physics building (Technische Natuurkunde).
The jury report praises his “innovative research in quantum optics and nano physics that has led to a deeper understanding of fundamental quantum physics and at the same time enables future applications in quantum communication.”
His company in Delft, Single Quantum which employs fifteen people, produces single photon detectors that cost between 50,000 and 250,000 euros. Complete systems are shipped worldwide.
The company’s future in Delft is uncertain, said Zwiller, as its lease agreement terminates in September. “We may need to move to Twente or Eindhoven,” he added dramatically.
In a response, FMVG real estate manager, Etty van der Leij, confirmed that FMVG expects a shortage of office space in the physics building in September, but that laboratory and clean room facilities will remain available as before.
Zwiller’s speeches about his research was recorded.
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