In the quest for ultra-secure, long-range quantum communication, two major challenges stand in the way: the unpredictable nature of atmospheric turbulence and the limitations of current optical wavefront correction techniques. Researchers at the University of Ottawa, under the supervision of Professor Ebrahim Karimi, the director of Nexus for Quantum Technologies, in collaboration with the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (Germany), have made significant advances in overcoming both obstacles. Their two latest breakthroughs—an AI-powered turbulence forecasting tool called TAROQQO and a high-speed Adaptive Optics (AO) system for correcting turbulence in quantum channels—represent a turning point in developing free-space quantum networks.

Optical measurement techniques are increasingly used in surgery for real-time tissue analysis. This technology is particularly important for monitoring during tumor removal, as it helps to detect any malignant cells that may still be present. These innovative techniques will also improve therapies for patients in the future. To this end, researchers from Dresden are collaborating with the Dutch company Single Quantum, which specializes in quantum technology, and Absolut System SAS, a French cryogenic engineering consultancy. They want to bring sensors that have so far only been used in quantum computing and communication to the operating room. An EU grant totaling EUR 5 million over four years is supporting the consortium in developing and implementing this technology.

Multiverse Computing, a global leader in value-based quantum computing, and Single Quantum, the global market leader in superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, have announced an industrial materials science research and development contract with the German Aerospace Center’s DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI for just under USD $1.4 million.