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
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Professor Neil Alford MBE FREng
Department of Materials
Dr Daan Arroo
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Dr Daan Arroo
Department of Materials
Professor Oliver Buchmueller
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Professor Oliver Buchmueller
Department of Physics
Professor Zahid Durrani
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Professor Zahid Durrani
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Dr Steve Kolthammer
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Dr Steve Kolthammer
Department of Physics
Professor Kin Leung
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Professor Kin Leung
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Professor Cong Ling
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Professor Cong Ling
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Professor Emil Lupu
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Professor Emil Lupu
Department of Computing
Professor Julie McCann
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Professor Julie McCann
Department of Computing
Professor Rupert Oulton
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Professor Rupert Oulton
Department of Physics
Dr Raj Patel
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Dr Raj Patel
Department of Physics
Professor Chris Phillips
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Professor Chris Phillips
Department of Physics
Professor Michael Tarbutt
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Professor Michael Tarbutt
Department of Physics
Dr Michael Vanner
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Dr Michael Vanner
Department of Physics
Dr Kai Voges
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Dr Kai Voges
Department of Physics
Professor Ian Walmsley CBE FRS
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Professor Ian Walmsley CBE FRS
Department of Physics
Dr Shang Yu
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Dr Shang Yu
Department of Physics