The classical internet demonstrates the power of networks that connect devices to deliver far greater functionality than could otherwise be achieved. A quantum internet is envisioned as a general, scalable network that enables two or more quantum devices to exchange quantum information and share entanglement. It may operate over a range of length-scales from within a silicon chip to satellite links.
This will enable secure communication, enhanced precision timing, scalable quantum computing and distributed sensing. A quantum internet is an ambitious next step for quantum technologies. This topic spans all four current national quantum hubs and progress requires scientific advances in interfacing disparate quantum systems and developing network protocols.
Imperial has a diversity of expertise: our experimental quantum information science spans all major hardware platforms, including trapped ions, superconducting circuits, optomechanics, cold atoms and molecules, photonics, quantum dots, diamond and molecular thin films. There is also strong theory support for quantum and classical networks. Relevant current activities include entanglement generation, signal conversion, quantum memories, network synchronisation and network optimisation.
Our researchers:
Professor Neil Alford MBE FREng
Professor Neil Alford MBE FREng
Department of Materials
Dr Daan Arroo
Dr Daan Arroo
Department of Materials
Professor Oliver Buchmueller
Professor Oliver Buchmueller
Department of Physics
Professor Zahid Durrani
Professor Zahid Durrani
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Dr Steve Kolthammer
Dr Steve Kolthammer
Department of Physics
Professor Kin Leung
Professor Kin Leung
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Professor Cong Ling
Professor Cong Ling
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Professor Emil Lupu
Professor Emil Lupu
Department of Computing
Professor Julie McCann
Professor Julie McCann
Department of Computing
Professor Rupert Oulton
Professor Rupert Oulton
Department of Physics
Dr Raj Patel
Dr Raj Patel
Department of Physics
Professor Chris Phillips
Professor Chris Phillips
Department of Physics
Professor Michael Tarbutt
Professor Michael Tarbutt
Department of Physics
Dr Sarah Thomas
Dr Sarah Thomas
Department of Physics
Dr Michael Vanner
Dr Michael Vanner
Department of Physics
Dr Kai Voges
Dr Kai Voges
Department of Physics
Professor Ian Walmsley CBE FRS
Professor Ian Walmsley CBE FRS
Department of Physics
Dr Shang Yu
Dr Shang Yu
Department of Physics