C: Quantum Networks to Connect Quantum Technology (QuanNeCQT)

NSF融合加速器计划支持以使用为灵感，以团队为基础，多学科的努力，以应对国家重要性的挑战，并将在不久的将来为社会提供有价值的成果。量子网络连接量子技术（Quantum Networks to Connect Quantum Technology）项目旨在创建量子互连，可以连接物理上相距几公里的量子计算机。这些互连使用户能够利用我们当前互联网的庞大现有基础设施来开发下一代量子互联网。我们的解决方案由两个硬件模块组成，量子频率转换（qFC）模块和量子可重构分插复用器（qROADM）模块。QFC将光子从量子计算机转换到规定的电信波长信道，同时保持与量子计算机的内部量子存储器的纠缠。qROADM使用集成光子电路控制网络业务流，并执行纠缠交换。这两个模块完全集成了量子功能与所有所需的经典通信（光纤偏振稳定，激光频率锁定，时钟分配等）。qFC和qROADM模块提供了一个通用的网络解决方案，可以很容易地适应几乎任何量子计算机架构。第二阶段计划将专注于离子阱量子计算机的特定用例，这是目前可用的最具可扩展性的量子计算机之一，该项目的更广泛影响将包括通过为最终用户提供安全访问以及验证量子计算的合法性，从而显著增加量子计算机的用户群。随着量子技术与互联网的融合，一个新的技术部门将出现，通过快速的技术创新和为未来的“量子劳动力”创造大量新的就业机会，带来重大经济增长的潜力，就像互联网的出现在世纪后期一样。该计划还将开展外联工作，为公众和行业开发教育模块，教育他们了解量子技术的现状和未来潜力。“这个奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并已被认为是值得通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估的支持。

The NSF Convergence Accelerator program supports use-inspired, team-based, multidisciplinary efforts that address challenges of national importance and will produce deliverables of value to society in the near future. The QuaNeCQT project (Quantum Networks to Connect Quantum Technology) aims to create quantum interconnects that can connect quantumcomputers that are physically located several kilometers apart. These interconnects enable users to leverage the vast existing infrastructure that is our current Internet to develop the next generation quantum internet. Our solution is composed of two hardware modules, the quantum frequency conversion (qFC) module and the quantum reconfigurable add-drop multiplexer (qROADM) module. The qFC converts photons from a quantum computer to provisioned telecom wavelength channels while preserving the entanglement with the internal quantum memory of the quantum computer. The qROADM controls the flow of network traffic using an integrated photonic circuit and performs entanglement swapping. Both modules fully integrate quantum functionalities with all required classical communication (fiber polarization stabilization, laser frequency locking, clock distribution etc…). The qFC and qROADM modules provide a universal networking solution that can be readily adapted to virtually any quantum computer architecture. The Phase II program will focus on the specific use-case of ion trap quantum computers, which are some of the most scalable quantum computers currently available.The broader impacts of this project will include causing a significant increase in the user base for quantum computers by providing secure access to end users as well as certification of the legitimacy of the quantum computation. As quantum technology converges with the Internet, a new technology sector would emerge bringing with it the potential for major economic growth by producing rapid technological innovation and creating a large number of new jobs for the future “quantum workforce,” just as the emergence of the Internet did towards the late 20th century. The program will also entail an outreach effort to develop educational modules for the general public and industry that will educate them on the current state and future potential of quantum technology."This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.