Project description
Innovative solutions to boost efficiency and reliability of long-distance communications
Quantum technologies are poised to transform communication and sensing, offering unprecedented speed, security and efficiency. However, current systems face challenges such as high power consumption and interference in open air communication. The EIC-funded QRC-4-ESP project plans to create the first quantum reservoir computing systems based on superconducting qubits and silicon carbide defect qubits. These systems promise over 100 times the speed and energy efficiency of classical machine learning systems. Superconducting qubits will enable secure, fog-resistant quantum satellite communications, while silicon carbide qubits will enhance fibre optic networks. Project activities could help advance global communication and medical diagnostics.
Objective
The long-term vision of the QRC-4-ESP project is to produce the World’s first quantum reservoir computing (QRC) systems based on superconducting qubits and silicon carbide (SiC) defect qubits. This new disruptive technology will create drastic improvements in speed and reduction in power consumption – two or more orders of magnitude (>100X) - compared to classical machine learning systems. Ultimately, the technology will enable ground-breaking microwave range, open air, quantum communication and new optical range, fibre network, quantum sensors.
Due to their structure, superconducting qubits naturally operate in the microwave range (hundreds of MHz to tens of GHz), which means they are well-matched to the required frequency range for satellite communications, because signals in this frequency band are minimally disturbed by fog and clouds. Currently, operating open-air quantum communications in this range is difficult due to strong background thermal noise. However, the development of superconducting quantum sensors and their integration with superconducting QRC could resolve this issue by enabling the routine use of well-developed quantum key distribution protocols. Thereby, quantum satellite communication could be successfully deployed - once and for all - without the risk of interception and decryption.
Defect-based qubits in SiC can operate in several frequency bands, including the optical band. Here we are especially interested in their operation in the near-infrared, which would make them a natural match for fibre-optical networks. Long-range open-air quantum communication in the optical range is impractical due to atmospheric interference. However, the inclusion of prospective QRC devices - with quantum inputs and outputs - as quantum repeaters could significantly increase performance and reduce costs. Another application would be to integrate an optical-range quantum sensor with an image-processing QRC, which would be very useful for medical diagnostics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2023-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
07745 Jena
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.