Project description DEENESFRITPL Fault-tolerant quantum networks Quantum networks form an important element of quantum computing. They facilitate information transmission in the form of qubits by sharing distributed entangled states between physically separated quantum processors. However, quantum information is very fragile. Distributing error-correction qubits over the network can protect quantum information from errors due to decoherence. The aim of the EU-funded QUNET project is to demonstrate quantum error detection over a quantum network consisting of four nodes. Realising quantum error correction schemes capable of protecting qubits over long distances represent a crucial step that could pave the way to building increasingly larger quantum networks. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective A key question for quantum science is: Can quantum systems be protected from decoherence? This is not just a fundamental question; if we can reliably control large quantum states, it becomes possible to perform precise tests of quantum mechanics and computational tasks that go beyond classical physics.A promising approach is to protect quantum states by distributing quantum error correction over quantum networks. These networks consist of nodes that contain quantum bits to store and process quantum states, and that are connected by entanglement links based on photons. This approach is naturally scalable to larger sizes by connecting independent modules, and a wide variety of fascinating error correction codes is enabled by different network topologies.Pioneering experiments have demonstrated basic elements of quantum networks in various systems. However, due to the required precise understanding and control of complex quantum systems, protecting quantum networks against decoherence remains a major outstanding challenge in quantum science.The goal of this proposal is to demonstrate the detection of quantum errors over a 4-node quantum network. This network forms a unit cell that demonstrates all key principles for larger error-corrected quantum networks. This ambitious goal can now be pursued due to two advances by my colleagues and me using NV centers in diamond: (1) Entanglement of two NV centers through photons and (2) Complete control over multiple nuclear spins coupled to single NV centers. To realize the network, I will develop robust quantum memories, non-destructive spin measurements, and a precise microscopic understanding and control of coupled spin systems in diamond.Reaching this goal will be a potentially decisive step towards large quantum networks and distributed quantum computations: we will enter a new territory in which quantum states can be made more stable by making networks larger and larger, ultimately completely overcoming decoherence. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physicsnatural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicstopologyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2019-STG - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2019-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Coordinator TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT Net EU contribution € 1 499 910,00 Address Stevinweg 1 2628 CN Delft Netherlands See on map Region West-Nederland Zuid-Holland Delft en Westland Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT Netherlands Net EU contribution € 1 499 910,00 Address Stevinweg 1 2628 CN Delft See on map Region West-Nederland Zuid-Holland Delft en Westland Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00