Grant: Canada Excellence Research Chairs

Dr. Thomas Jennewein’s CERC in quantum communications?aims to develop and build systems, components, and applications for a global Quantum Internet.?The Quantum Internet is the future generation of networking that will enable applications such as provably secure communication, interfacing to remote quantum computers and offering exponentially greater computational capabilities, and quantum enhanced sensing. At this time, even the best technologies for long-distance quantum channels do not scale up. Studying photonic interfaces and the transfer of quantum information with silicon-based quantum devices will support exploration of applications for long-range quantum information transfer, and enable a scalable multi-node quantum network.?This CERC research program will establish long-distance quantum communications and entanglement distribution, with the potential to reach users around the world.?The proposed research systems will be tested and verified under real-world conditions, such as interfacing with the upcoming Quantum EncrYption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission, as well as via?fibre-optical networks, enabling?designs of next-generation ground and satellite systems. The CERC program will engage SFU’s influential Invention to Innovation (i2I) program, to accelerate the anticipated and significant commercial impacts of emerging quantum technologies. Building upon BC’s active quantum research community, the proposed research will produce transformative socioeconomic benefits and will solidify Canada as a global leader in the quantum space race.?Capitalizing on the nascent quantum technology revolution currently unfolding, this research is original and timely as it combines the best two lines of technology for a global quantum internet: 1) quantum communication satellites and the required fibre-optic interfaces, which establish record-breaking distances for quantum signals, and 2) new photonic memory devices based on emerging silicon-photonics. While the QEYSSat mission is under preparation for a 2024 launch, there is an extraordinary opportunity to combine integrated Si-based quantum devices with long-range quantum links. The outstanding quality and versatility of the new quantum devices discovered and developed at SFU and Vancouver based Photonic Inc. have the potential to be the breakthrough technology to enable the Quantum Internet. The research program will help Canada make a world-leading impact in technologies for the Quantum Internet.