Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Welinq (Industry-grade Quantum Memory Links enabling the Quantum Internet)
Reporting period: 2024-04-01 to 2025-03-31
The rise of quantum technologies holds immense promise for societal and technological breakthroughs, especially with the advent of the “Quantum Internet.” This revolutionary network will interconnect quantum computers and sensors, fostering a new era of secure communications and distributed quantum computing. However, achieving a functional and scalable Quantum Internet (QIN) requires overcoming significant technical challenges. Central to this is the creation of efficient, long-distance quantum links, which are fundamental to enabling quantum entanglement over vast distances, facilitating secure communication and the deployment of quantum computing resources.
Quantum entanglement, which underpins QINs, allows particles to be linked in such a way that the state of one particle directly influences the state of another, regardless of the distance between them. This property promises breakthroughs in data security and computational power. However, quantum information is highly susceptible to loss over distance, and classical methods for extending communication range are ineffective in quantum systems due to the principles of quantum mechanics. This makes the development of quantum repeaters essential for QINs, ensuring reliable quantum entanglement distribution over long distances.
The project, Welinq, builds upon our previous work within the EU Flagship Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), where we focused on developing a quantum memory (QM) system based on laser-cooled ensembles of cold atoms. Our QM system has achieved a world-record 90% storage efficiency, enabling the possibility of quantum interconnections. The Welinq project aims to advance this technology further by developing the world’s first industry-grade quantum memory links that combine high-efficiency, long-storage times, and integrated frequency conversion to interface with optical telecommunication bands. By achieving these advancements, we aim to enhance the range and capabilities of QINs, providing the critical infrastructure needed for secure, high-speed communication at long distances.
The project will help the European Union maintain technological sovereignty by advancing cutting-edge quantum technologies that will play a central role in securing communication networks and enabling the next generation of computing technologies. The Welinq project is a key step towards making the Quantum Internet a reality, with direct implications for both Europe’s technological leadership and its digital economy.
Quantum entanglement, which underpins QINs, allows particles to be linked in such a way that the state of one particle directly influences the state of another, regardless of the distance between them. This property promises breakthroughs in data security and computational power. However, quantum information is highly susceptible to loss over distance, and classical methods for extending communication range are ineffective in quantum systems due to the principles of quantum mechanics. This makes the development of quantum repeaters essential for QINs, ensuring reliable quantum entanglement distribution over long distances.
The project, Welinq, builds upon our previous work within the EU Flagship Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), where we focused on developing a quantum memory (QM) system based on laser-cooled ensembles of cold atoms. Our QM system has achieved a world-record 90% storage efficiency, enabling the possibility of quantum interconnections. The Welinq project aims to advance this technology further by developing the world’s first industry-grade quantum memory links that combine high-efficiency, long-storage times, and integrated frequency conversion to interface with optical telecommunication bands. By achieving these advancements, we aim to enhance the range and capabilities of QINs, providing the critical infrastructure needed for secure, high-speed communication at long distances.
The project will help the European Union maintain technological sovereignty by advancing cutting-edge quantum technologies that will play a central role in securing communication networks and enabling the next generation of computing technologies. The Welinq project is a key step towards making the Quantum Internet a reality, with direct implications for both Europe’s technological leadership and its digital economy.
Throughout the first year of the Welinq project, we have made significant progress in developing the key technological components of our quantum memory (QM) system. The activities performed and the main achievements include:
Development of Quantum Memory (QM):
We have optimized our laser-cooled cold atom-based quantum memory system, achieving a world-record 90% storage efficiency. This advancement is crucial for enabling reliable quantum links, providing a critical foundation for the Quantum Internet (QIN). The high-efficiency quantum memory is essential for long-range entanglement distribution, addressing the key challenge of photon loss over distance.
Integration of Quantum Memory with Frequency Conversion:
To ensure that our quantum memory system can operate effectively within existing telecommunications infrastructure, we have integrated frequency conversion capabilities. This integration enables compatibility with optical telecom bands, which are essential for minimizing photon loss in fiber-optic networks. Our system is now ready for long-distance deployment in real-world QIN applications.
IPR and Commercialization Foundations:
We have laid the groundwork for the commercialization of our quantum memory technology by establishing a framework for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This ensures the protection of our innovations as we move toward industrialization. The creation of this IPR framework is an important step in securing the technological advantages of Welinq’s quantum memory solutions.
Development of Quantum Memory (QM):
We have optimized our laser-cooled cold atom-based quantum memory system, achieving a world-record 90% storage efficiency. This advancement is crucial for enabling reliable quantum links, providing a critical foundation for the Quantum Internet (QIN). The high-efficiency quantum memory is essential for long-range entanglement distribution, addressing the key challenge of photon loss over distance.
Integration of Quantum Memory with Frequency Conversion:
To ensure that our quantum memory system can operate effectively within existing telecommunications infrastructure, we have integrated frequency conversion capabilities. This integration enables compatibility with optical telecom bands, which are essential for minimizing photon loss in fiber-optic networks. Our system is now ready for long-distance deployment in real-world QIN applications.
IPR and Commercialization Foundations:
We have laid the groundwork for the commercialization of our quantum memory technology by establishing a framework for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This ensures the protection of our innovations as we move toward industrialization. The creation of this IPR framework is an important step in securing the technological advantages of Welinq’s quantum memory solutions.
The present project has advanced quantum memory technology by significantly extending the storage time of our cold-atom quantum memory, surpassing current limitations in the field. This improvement, combined with achieving a world-record 90% storage-and-retrieval efficiency, sets a new benchmark for quantum memory systems. Additionally, the integration of frequency conversion to telecom bands bridges the gap between quantum systems and existing fiber-optic networks, enabling long-distance communication. These advancements pave the way for scalable Quantum Internet (QIN) networks, with the potential to revolutionize secure communication. Further development in quantum networking standards, international collaboration, and regulatory frameworks will be key to ensuring the successful uptake and commercialization of this technology.