Grant: Alliance Grants

Quantum networks will play an important role in distributing entanglement over long distances for linking remote quantum computers and communicating between two parties securely to keep our personal information safe. However, the quantum hardware and infrastructure for implementing a global quantum network is in the initial stages of development. In the proposed project, Prof. Reimer, Prof. Jennewein, and Prof. Bajcsy from the University of Waterloo will develop the essential quantum devices and links to realize the fundamental components of a scalable quantum network. To overcome channel losses and extend the distance of quantum communication, they aim to develop high-rate entangled photon sources, quantum memories, and quantum interfaces for linking fiber-based and satellite-based quantum communication channels. Since it is not possible to amplify the quantum signal as in classical communication channels, a process called entanglement swapping is needed to distribute entanglement across the quantum network. For performing entanglement swapping in a stable, scalable, and compact manner, the research team has partnered with CMC Microsystems to design and develop photonic integrated circuits for this purpose. CMC Microsystems has decades of experience in developing photonic integrated circuits where they have helped hundreds of clients and partners through their silicon photonics fabrication services. As the partner organization of this proposal, CMC will develop services to lower the barrier for adoption by industry and other researchers in Canada and identify early adopters for commercialization of the quantum technology. Through their extensive network, Canada will benefit from the generated knowledge and quantum hardware developed in this proposal in the quest for strengthening and maintaining Canada as a global leader in quantum photonics and in the quest of building a practical global quantum network collectively as a nation for secure communication. Moreover, the proposed research project will train over 10 HQP who will be part of the next generation of quantum workforce and innovators in Canada addressing the increasing demands of the growing quantum industry, which is projected to become an $8.5 billion industry in Canada by 2035, resulting in the creation of more than 13,000 new jobs.