DC-Area U.S. Government Agencies Announce the Washington Metropolitan Quantum Network Research Consortium, or DC-QNet

Quantum networks, an emerging research frontier, will one day offer the ability to distribute and share quantum information securely among quantum computers, clusters of quantum sensors and related devices at regional and national distances. They can also be used to distribute ultraprecise time signals, as well as other applications yet to be invented or fully explored. Quantum networks will be essential to modern secure communications and to computing enhancements in the 21st century. 

To advance quantum network capabilities and leadership, six U.S. government agencies with world-class research capabilities announce the establishment of the Washington Metropolitan Quantum Network Research Consortium, or DC-QNet, to create, demonstrate and operate a quantum network as a regional test bed. The six agencies are the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL), the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Security Agency/Central Security Service Directorate of Research (NSA/CSS-RES), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). There are currently two out-of-region affiliates to this consortium as well: the U.S. Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. 

To read the full release, visit the Naval Research Laboratory website.