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Integrated Quantum Repeater Nodes

Project description

Scaling up quantum repeaters with photonic chips

Advancements in quantum research and technologies have led to the development and testing of revolutionary solutions. One promising area is quantum networks, which enable secure, high-speed, and efficient long-distance communications and quantum cloud computing. However, despite their significant potential, transitioning these technologies from fundamental research to real-conditions proofs of principle has proven challenging due to the high complexity and footprint of the devices. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the IQARO project aims to develop a scalable solution for producing compact fibre-based quantum repeaters, which are crucial for extending quantum link distances in these applications at a large scale. The success of this project will provide Europe and the European market with a competitive advantage in quantum technologies.

Objective

Recent breakthroughs in the field of quantum technologies combining academic and R&D efforts have demonstrated the potential of quantum networks for major applications such as long-distance secure communication or quantum cloud computing. One current challenge is to deploy quantum networks out of the lab for realizing their expected far-reaching societal and economic impact. A crucial requirement for reaching this goal is the realization of a quantum repeater that will be able to extend quantum links to continental distances. In this context, the use of integrated photonic platforms, allowing for low-footprint, alignment-free and mass-manufacturable quantum nodes, represents a significant resource for real-life applications of quantum networks. In this proposal, we provide a route for achieving this goal through the integration of rare-earth quantum memories on fiber-pigtailed glass photonic chips. This technology enables the storage of single photons in a platform that is compatible with integrated photonic circuits used to perform quantum gates and computations. We will demonstrate for the first time on-demand retrieval of photons in an all-fiber quantum memory then build the first elementary integrated quantum memory node with a multi-memory photonic chip that could readily be embedded in a DLCZ-like quantum repeater architecture. The goals set in this proposal are important milestones towards the achievement of robust application-ready quantum networks and the establishment of a European quantum internet.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01

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Coordinator

FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE CIENCIES FOTONIQUES
Net EU contribution
€ 181 152,96
Address
AVINGUDA CARL FRIEDRICH GAUSS 3
08860 Castelldefels
Spain
Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
No data

Partners (1)