Quantum Communications

What is NIST's role in quantum communications?

NIST's quantum communications research focuses on three areas: sensing, computing and networking. These focus areas serve as the foundation for development and innovation across a wide range of technical applications, making NIST’s research essential for growth in numerous sectors.  This work contributes to NIST's efforts in quantum information science (QIS) by developing innovative quantum communications components and techniques that enable secure, high-speed data transmission and foster future quantum networks.  

​​​Sensing – Quantum 1.0: Pioneering Quantum Metrology

• Quantum Voltage Standards: Establishing reliable and programmable quantum voltage standards which are critical for calibrating electronics from direct current (DC) to radio frequencies (RF). By developing a broadband, integrated quantum-based microwave voltage source, NIST improves RF voltage measurements, benefiting high-speed communications.
• Quantum Field Probes Using Rydberg Atoms: Working with Rydberg atoms allows for self-calibrated, International System of Units (SI)-traceable RF electric field measurements. This technology improves RF metrology and has applications in telecommunications, defense, and energy, supporting both performance and safety.

Computing – Scaling Quantum Power

• Qubit to Mega-Qubit Quantum Computers: This research relies on NIST's expertise in precision, room-temperature radio frequency (RF) signal calibrations to demonstrate cryogenic RF measurements and standards for characterizing quantum computing qubits, circuits and components. By improving characterization methods, NIST researchers are enabling US industry to exponentially scale quantum computing capabilities.
• Scalable Quantum Computing: NIST researchers are demonstrating solutions for US companies engaged in quantum computing R&D to develop cheaper, more powerful, scalable systems.  This research is integrating superconducting Single-Flux-Quantum (SFQ) microwave circuits to control and readout qubits and investigating higher frequency “hot qubits” that can operate at higher temperatures, a new paradigm for superconducting quantum computing.  

Networking – Building the Quantum Infrastructure of Tomorrow

• Quantum Network Testbed: Developing metropolitan-scale quantum networks to enhance secure communications and information transmission over long distances. NIST’s regional testbed supports advancements in entanglement distribution and polarization control, ensuring the scalability of quantum networks.
• Quantum Optical Channels for Remote Microwave Entanglement:  Innovative research in optical channels and microwave-optical transducers supports remote microwave entanglement, advancing the future of superconducting quantum computing.
• Optical Time Transfer for Quantum Networking: By integrating optical clocks and time transfer technologies, researchers are revolutionizing quantum networking, enabling better synchronization over long distances and supporting satellite navigation, dark matter research, and geodesy.