Quantum networks are envisioned to achieve novel capabilities that are provably impossible using classical networks and could be transformative to science, economy, and national security. These novel capabilities range from cryptography, sensing and metrology, distributed systems, to secure quantum computing in the Cloud. To realize these great potentials, quantum networks are being actively researched and developed worldwide across different physical platforms (e.g., superconducting circuits, nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond, neutral atoms, and trapped ions). Several building blocks for quantum networking have been developed and demonstrated in a variety of experiments. For example, integrating ion traps with optical cavities provides the potential of on-demand and coherent light-matter interfaces for quantum networking. High-fidelity quantum frequency conversion converts photons from infrared light frequencies to optimal telecom wavelengths for long-distance quantum networking. This research is typically Physics-based, thereby they aim to address scientific challenges faced in quantum networks. However, to realize the practical deployment of quantum networks, many critical engineering challenges need to be addressed. For example, as the size and complexity of quantum networks increase, it is evident that manual control of quantum networks will be insufficient. The issues of quantum network abstraction, scaling of network architecture and protocols, and software automation are becoming increasingly important. This workshop seeks to convene a multidisciplinary community of public, private, and research stakeholders to present and refine quantum network engineering challenges.
The workshop will consist of three sessions in the format of invited talks and panel discussions. The invited speakers and the audience will discuss the presented statements, past experiences, and new ideas in the subject area. This workshop provides a platform for exchange of ideas, sharing of problem solving skills, and opportunities for standardization in the community.
What are the current status and perspectives for scalable quantum networks and quantum network architectures?
What are the basic building blocks of quantum networks that need to be defined and developed? What system engineering research can be applied to accelerate the development of these building blocks?
What are the challenges for quantum network components and systems?
What are the engineering opportunities and challenges with quantum networking within a local area vs wide-area? What should the community focus on first?
What are the applications and protocols for quantum networks?
What are the most important research and engineering challenges that need to be addressed in this area in the next 5 years?
Contact
If you have any questions or suggestions, please get in touch with us:
Inder Monga (imonga@es.net)
Rodey Van Meter (rdv@sfc.wide.ad.jp)
Shota Nagayama (shota@qitf.org)
Joaquin Chung (chungmiranda@anl.gov)
Wenji Wu (wenji@lbl.gov)