Grant: Idea to Innovation

The goal of this Idea to Innovation Phase IIb project is to develop an advanced stabilization solution for quantum networking testbeds, addressing the critical challenge of maintaining quantum correlations, such as entanglement, in real-world environments. These correlations are essential for applications like quantum teleportation and distributed quantum computing but are highly fragile due to optical losses, link instabilities, and noise. Currently, no commercial technology exists to actively stabilize quantum channels, and existing methods in scientific literature have limited performance and versatility. The principal applicant of the project Prof. Roberto Morandotti, in collaboration with Ki3 Photonics' team, aims to create a cost-effective stabilization solution that enhances performance in quantum testbeds. Building on the success of a prior Idea to Innovation Phase I project, which developed a prototype for fiber-based optical interferometers, the team will now expand the technology to stabilize multiple interferometers and channels using multiplexing techniques, while maintaining low losses and minimizing noise. Key deliverables include developing Mach-Zehnder fiber-based interferometers with high transmission rates, creating a clock-phase locking circuit for temporal fluctuation stabilization, as well as implementing noise management and pulse-carving techniques. The project will also develop a scalable software layer to monitor and control the system. The impact of this project will be significant, advancing the stabilization solution to a Technological Readiness Level (TRL) of 6, moving it closer to commercialization. In terms of benefits for Canada, the project will generate intellectual property, attract global clients, and strengthen the country's position as a leader in quantum technologies. As well, it will contribute to training highly qualified personnel with extensive and versatile knowledge in quantum communication, software engineering and electrical engineering. On a long-term vision, our proposed technology will benefit the public by enabling ultra-secure communication and advanced distributed quantum sensing, reinforcing Canada's leadership in the rapidly growing quantum tech market.