QMiCS - Quantum Microwave Communcation and Sensing

The mission of QMiCS is to combine European expertise and lead the efforts in developing novel components, experimental techniques, and theory models building on the quantum properties of continuous-variable propagating microwaves.

QMiCS’ long-term visions are (i) distributed quantum computing & communication via microwave quantum local area networks (QLANs) and (ii) sensing applications based on the illumination of an object with quantum microwaves (quantum radar). With respect to key quantum computing platforms (superconducting circuits, NV centers, quantum dots), microwaves intrinsically allow for zero frequency conversion loss since they are the natural frequency scale. They can be distributed via superconducting cables with surprisingly little losses, eventually allowing for quantum communication and cryptography applications.

Radar works at gigahertz frequencies because of the atmospheric transparency windows anyways.

Scientifically, QMiCS targets a QLAN demonstration via quantum teleportation, a quantum advantage in microwave illumination, and a roadmap to real-life applications for the second/third phase of the QT Flagship.

Beneath these three grand goals lies a strong component of disruptive enabling technology provided by two full and one external industry partner: the development of a microwave QLAN cable connecting the millikevin stages of two dilution refrigerators, improved cryogenic semiconductor amplifiers, and packaged pre-quantum ultrasensitive microwave detectors.

The resulting “enabling” commercial products are beneficial for quantum technologies at microwave frequencies in general.

Finally, QMiCS fosters awareness in industry about the revolutionary business potential of quantum microwave technologies, especially via the advisory third parties “Airbus Defence and Space Ltd” and “Cisco Systems GmbH”. In this way, QMiCS helps placing Europe at the forefront of the second quantum revolution and kick-starting a competitive European quantum industry.

Questions and Answers on QMiCS can also be found on the Digital Single Market Page of the EU.

QMiCs project partners:

• Walther-Meißner-Institute (WMI) for Low Temperature Research of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Germany, Coordinator
• Aalto University (AALTO), Finland
• Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENSL), France
• Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT), Portugal
• Oxford Instruments nanotechnology Ltd, United Kingdom
• TTI Norte S.L. (TTI), Spain
• University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (VTT), Finland

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No820505.