Quantum Optical MUltidimensional NEtworks

Introduction

Quantum Internet will allow unprecedented applications that will dramatically change our lives, spanning from quantum secured communications to distributed quantum simulations. These applications include:

• Ultra-precise clock synchronization
• Quantum secured identification
• Efficient distribution of data and energy
• Quantum sensors
• Secure access to quantum devices in the cloud

Technical Limitations

The main technical limitations currently restricting the range of applicability of the quantum internet are:

1. The intrinsic rate-distance limit
2. The extremely difficult coexistence with the present classical telecommunication infrastructure

Present quantum communication systems mainly use a two-dimensional encoding scheme (qubit) as the information unit, which is very fragile and susceptible to external noise.

Decoherence Processes

In fact, due to decoherence processes caused by the interaction with the external environment, the ability of the adopted qubits to remain in superposition and/or in an entangled state is severely jeopardized.

Multidimensional Quantum States

On the contrary, by adopting multidimensional quantum states (qudit), which are by nature more robust to noise owing to their higher information efficiency, the potential to realize the quantum internet is within our grasp.

QOMUNE's Objectives

QOMUNE intends to build and test the constituents for a Quantum Internet based on multidimensional quantum states, by combining new technological advances with unconventional quantum interference.

Novel Scheme

QOMUNE envisages a novel scheme for the generation, transmission, and interference of qudits, which are fundamental actions of a quantum network.

Technological Components

Photonic integrated quantum sources combined with multicore deployed fibers and pioneering design of efficient and scalable multidimensional quantum interference will be adopted for the realization of QOMUNE building blocks.

Impact on Quantum Internet

QOMUNE’s objectives and results will redefine the state-of-the-art of Quantum Internet in terms of tolerance to noise in a realistic scenario and coexistence with the worldwide telecommunication infrastructure.