Goals QR.N
Achieving quantum-physical end-to-end security in communication, as well as securely linking Quantum Computers, are among the most important long-term objectives in the development of Quantum Technologies in Germany. This level of security can only be realized through the use of Quantum Repeaters. An important goal of QR.N is to demonstrate the fundamental functionalities of Quantum Repeaters on test tracks outside of protected laboratory environments.
One of the main goals of QR.N is the demonstration of Quantum Repeater Links between two endpoints that include at least one intermediate node. In addition to the further development and optimization of the necessary basic components for Quantum Nodes, the transmission of Quantum States in Quantum Networks over fiber test tracks – so-called testbeds – outside the laboratory is to be advanced significantly. Existing testbeds are being expanded with intermediate nodes, where Quantum Memories and gate operations are implemented to achieve a Quantum Advantage in transmission and to incorporate error correction mechanisms for more powerful Quantum Repeater Protocols.
Another central goal is the demonstration of linking local elementary Quantum Processors via photonic Quantum States. In addition, parallel Quantum Channels are to be established for demonstrating multiplexing. Furthermore, the development and experimental demonstration of protocols for entanglement-assisted classical communication is being advanced, as well as the demonstration of interfaces between elementary Quantum Computers through entanglement-based transmission of Quantum States.
Within the project, the research on all hardware platforms previously studied in QR.X (Atoms & Ions, Semiconductor Quantum Dots, Color Centers in Diamond) is being further advanced and complemented by new systems for Quantum Memories, such as rare-earth-ion memories at telecom wavelengths. Cross-platform methods and protocols developed by the theory platform, as well as the combination of different hardware platforms into hybrid systems, are intended to lead to the development of hardware-independent Quantum Nodes over the course of the project.
One of the main goals of QR.N is the demonstration of Quantum Repeater Links between two endpoints that include at least one intermediate node. In addition to the further development and optimization of the necessary basic components for Quantum Nodes, the transmission of Quantum States in Quantum Networks over fiber test tracks – so-called testbeds – outside the laboratory is to be advanced significantly. Existing testbeds are being expanded with intermediate nodes, where Quantum Memories and gate operations are implemented to achieve a Quantum Advantage in transmission and to incorporate error correction mechanisms for more powerful Quantum Repeater Protocols.
Another central goal is the demonstration of linking local elementary Quantum Processors via photonic Quantum States. In addition, parallel Quantum Channels are to be established for demonstrating multiplexing. Furthermore, the development and experimental demonstration of protocols for entanglement-assisted classical communication is being advanced, as well as the demonstration of interfaces between elementary Quantum Computers through entanglement-based transmission of Quantum States.
Within the project, the research on all hardware platforms previously studied in QR.X (Atoms & Ions, Semiconductor Quantum Dots, Color Centers in Diamond) is being further advanced and complemented by new systems for Quantum Memories, such as rare-earth-ion memories at telecom wavelengths. Cross-platform methods and protocols developed by the theory platform, as well as the combination of different hardware platforms into hybrid systems, are intended to lead to the development of hardware-independent Quantum Nodes over the course of the project.
The necessary development steps are divided into eight work packages, which will be implemented gradually over the course of the project, interconnected, and regularly evaluated. These are:
