Sparrow Quantum, Single Quantum, Refined Laser Systems, and the Ruhr-Universität Bochum have joined forces to launch an exciting new initiative: the Quantum Transceiver Based on Deterministic Single-Photon Sources (QTRAIN).

Backed by global R&D funding network EUREKA, QTRAIN aims to develop a single-photon quantum transceiver by January 2027. The QTRAIN transceiver would represent the first quantum transceiver on the market and the most advanced photon detection unit commercially available, with notable improvements in energy consumption, space efficiency, and overall cost.

DEFINING THE GOALS

Like any quantum transceiver, the QTRAIN transceiver will be able to both transmit and receive data, making it a potent tool for secure quantum communications. However, QTRAIN will improve on previous iterations of this technology by housing the single-photon source and the single-photon detectors within the same cryostat at the O-band telecom wavelength.

The QTRAIN model has great implications for quantum computing and communications. Using best-in-class technologies from each consortium partner, the QTRAIN system is expected to reduce the transceiver’s physical footprint by 50%; lower energy consumption by 60%; improve general ease of operation; and reduce purchase, installation, and maintenance costs.

REALISING THE VISION

The four consortium partners will contribute their specialised expertise to different stages of the project:

· The Ruhr-Universität Bochum has pioneered the use of a new and exclusive material for QTRAIN, producing high-quality quantum dots at 1310 mm.

· Refined Laser Systems will provide the lasers needed to excite the quantum dots. The lasers will emit pulses at the rate of 120 megahertz.

· Sparrow Quantum supplies deterministic single-photon sources, notably its flagship Sparrow Core. Upon receiving a laser pulse at the correct rate and wavelength, the source will emit a single photon in free space, which will then proceed to the photon detector.

· Single Quantum will manufacture the photon detectors and the cryostat in which both source and detector are contained. Assembly will take place at Single Quantum’s headquarters in Delft, NL.

BRINGING TO MARKET

Analysts have remarked that many universities and businesses have failed to fully benefit from the recent wave of quantum advancements. One cause of this deficiency is the presence of consistently high barriers to adoption, not least the cost of initial installation.

A key aspect of QTRAIN is that the new transceiver not only represents a technological improvement but also lowers barriers to adoption by making this technology cheaper and easier to operate. That’s why the QTRAIN transceiver will be the first quantum receiver available for commercial purchase, representing the first attempt to scale this technology to a level appropriate for the commercial sphere.

Outside of the consortium, other institutions have signaled confidence in QTRAIN’s commercial potential. Companies have already indicated interest in testing the QTRAIN transceiver and integrating the technology into their own offerings.