Research project to crack the code of quantum light sources and quantum networks

A new Danish-German research collaboration is developing new quantum light sources, which could revolutionize cryptography and networks between quantum computers. The Innovation Fund has invested DKK 40 million in the project. 

Quantum technology enables unbreakable encryption and entirely new types of computers, which can solve problems that today’s computers cannot handle. Even the biggest supercomputers must give up when it comes to detailed calculations of, e.g., chemical reactions.

There is now a race between different platforms for quantum technologies, and one of the most promising is photonics, which stores quantum information in states of light in optical quantum networks. Unfortunately, a central building block is missing, namely a new type of quantum light source, which does not exist today. A new research and innovation project aims to change that.

The technological vision is based on combining nanophotonic chips from DTU with unique technologies in materials, nanoelectromechanics, nanolithography, and quantum systems. 

- It is a really difficult task, but we have also set a really strong team. One of the toughest goals is to integrate quantum light sources with quantum memories. This seemed unrealistic just a few years ago, but now we see a path forward, says Søren Stobbe, professor at DTU. 

There are many different types of quantum light sources today, but either they do not work with quantum memories or they are incompatible with optical fibers. 

There is actually only one viable option: the element erbium. However, erbium interacts too weakly with light. The interaction needs to be significantly enhanced, and this is now possible thanks to new nanophotonic technology developed at DTU. 

The project requires not only advanced nanophotonics but also quantum technology, integrated photonics with extremely low power consumption, and new nanofabrication methods—all of which hold great potential. To take just one example, the same photonic chips that the project will develop for quantum technologies are also of direct relevance for data centers, where more photonic chips are used.

The researchers will combine DTU’s expertise in nanophotonics with erbium technology from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, quantum networks from Humboldt University in Berlin, nanotechnology from Beamfox Technologies ApS, and integrated photonics from Lizard Photonics ApS.

Facts

• Innovation Fund's investment: DKK 40 million.
• Total budget: DKK 48 million.
• Duration: 5 years.
• Official Title: EQUAL | Erbium-based silicon quantum light sources.

About the partners:

Beamfox Technologies ApS, Denmark
Beamfox develops solutions for nanolithography, and its software is used by many of the world’s leading universities and tech companies. 

Technical University of Denmark – DTU Electro, Denmark
Leading technical university, which was recently ranked as the best technical university in the EU. Professor Søren Stobbe’s research group is a global leader in ultra-compact optical resonators. 

Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany
A leading center for materials science at the atomic and nanoscale. Yonder Berencén’s research group specializes in implanting optical emitters into silicon. 

Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
Distinguished for physics and technology, with 57 Nobel Prize winners among its researchers. Professor Tim Schröder is an expert in quantum memory and quantum networks. 

Lizard Photonics ApS, Denmark
A newly founded Danish company that commercializes DTU’s research in integrated nanoelectromechanical photonics.