Denmark is set to redefine photonic quantum computing with the launch of a five-year research and innovation initiative, backed by a DKK 16.2 million grant from the Innovation Fund Denmark. The ‘Fault-Tolerant Quantum Photonics’ (FTQP) project will propel quantum hardware into the future with new fault-tolerant computing architectures centered around deterministic single-photon emitters.

Interest in the potential of quantum computing has been steadily increasing in recent years, thanks to significant advances in quantum research and technology. While traditional supercomputers face challenges in meeting increasing demands for greater scale, speed, and energy efficiency, quantum computers offer a promising alternative.

A quantum computer fundamentally uses quantum mechanical principles to manipulate the universe’s smallest components, quantum particles. The realization of quantum computers’ potential is thus largely dependent on the development of high-quality components and effective architectures that can precisely generate and manipulate these quantum particles. Photons offer a strong and flexible method for establishing these core components.

Unique opportunity

For over twenty years, Danish researchers have been at the forefront of developing photonic quantum technology, including the world’s best deterministic single-photon emitters. This pioneering work is the foundation for the FTQP project, which seeks not only to enhance existing photonic quantum technology but also to develop critically important fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures.

“With the FTQP project, we have a unique opportunity to cement Denmark’s position in fault-tolerant quantum computers. Our focus is on developing groundbreaking quantum technology components and architectures, which will set new standards for scalable quantum computations and place Danish quantum photonics in a global leadership position,” says Stefano Paesani, Assistant Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute and project leader for the FTQP project.

The project brings together the Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen (DIKU), the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI), and industry partner Sparrow Quantum. This collaboration combines DIKU’s expertise in quantum error correction, NBI’s leadership in quantum photonics research and theory, and Sparrow Quantum’s specialization in quantum photonic systems and commercialization.

The key focus of the FTQP project is the development of entangled photon states emitted by quantum dots in nanostructures. The realization of these states will accelerate photonic quantum computers and position the consortium in a leading role within the field.

“I believe that FTQP’s collaborative approach, integrating hardware and architecture considerations simultaneously, is essential in shaping resilient computing frameworks and driving the evolution of information processing.,” says Michael Kastoryano, Associate Professor at DIKU.

“This project marks a crucial breakthrough in the development of advanced quantum computers capable of realizing concrete quantum advantages. We look forward to close cooperation with our industry partners to bring these cutting-edge technologies to market. We expect this collaboration to help address significant challenges in areas such as chemistry, medicine, materials science, energy, and logistics,” says Kurt Stokbro, CEO of Sparrow Quantum, highlighting the project’s far-reaching potential.