Project description
Hybrid quantum repeaters for secure quantum communications
Quantum repeaters are important components for future applications such as quantum key distribution and quantum networks, enabling the transmission of quantum states over long distances. The primary objective of the EU-funded Qurope project is to develop hybrid quantum repeater architecture based on dissimilar quantum systems and test performances in real-word applications. Different memory systems based on vapour cells and rare-earth doped crystals will be combined with semiconductor quantum dots to develop near-infrared and telecom-based quantum repeaters. These systems will then be tested using both free-space and fibre-based quantum key distribution protocols based on entanglement. The project's results will pave the way for the future large-scale implementation of secure quantum communication.
Objective
The objectives of Qurope are to develop a hybrid quantum repeater architecture based on dissimilar quantum systems and to test its performances in real-word applications. The envisioned implementation is based on two disruptive technologies that will be pioneered during the project: (i) Near-ideal quantum-dot-based sources of entangled photon pairs that will simultaneously feature high brightness, near-unity degree of entanglement and indistinguishability, wavelength-tuneability, and on-demand operation. (ii) Efficient and broad-band quantum memories that will be specifically designed and engineered to store and retrieve polarization-entangled photons from quantum dots. Different quantum dot-quantum memory systems will be combined to develop near-infrared and telecom-based quantum repeaters, which will then be tested using both free-space and fiber-based quantum key distribution protocols based on entanglement. This will be performed in the elementary quantum-network infrastructure available in the consortium – a major breakthrough that will open the path towards future large scale implementation of secure quantum communication.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
33098 Paderborn
Germany