The construction of an interconnected set of many quantum devices that perform long-distance quantum communication is now within experimental reach. It is therefore of utmost relevance to engineer elementary networks of a few quantum nodes and quantum channels to understand and harness the potential of these novel architectures. A notable example of such an elementary network is the modular connection of quantum light sources operating over free-space and fiber quantum channels, assisted by room-temperature quantum memories increasing the distance, security, and connectivity of quantum information transfer. Quantum memories are a significant development since storing protected qubits is required to distribute them over long-distances. Moving forward and creating a memory-assisted quantum communication network requires quantum memories that can support the technical demands of outside-of-the-laboratory quantum communication channels.
The first step towards such progress is having readily deployable quantum memories available in the market, providing solutions for scalable point-to-point networks, free-space synchronization, and for the development of functional quantum repeaters. The Quantum Technology group at Stony Brook University is currently operating a setup of four deployable high-duty-cycle portable room-temperature quantum memories for polarization qubits.
Qunnect, a spin-off venture of the laboratory has engineered these prototypes and is currently working on a commercial-off-the-shelf rackmount solution for these devices. To make this technology accessible to a broader range of applications and for network integration, we have simplified it in cost, size, and amount of required infrastructure. Our systematical and iterative development process resulted in a substantial reduction of technical obstacles which usually impede the realization of an efficient quantum cryptographic network or interconnected quantum computers.
The first prototype already demonstrated its portability and ease-of-operation and is currently deployed in a European laboratory. We have produced two additional products, and more advanced prototypes, with enhanced packaging, plug-and-play operation, high-stability, and low maintenance. We intend to validate our prototypes and have them ready for commercialization by performing quantum communication protocols with the instruments rapidly deployed in realistic field scenarios.
Quantum information processing and computing , Quantum communication
