Quantum Internet: Major Breakthrough
- A collaborative effort between Danish and German researchers is underway to develop new quantum light sources and technology for scalable quantum networks.
- The promise of quantum technology includes unbreakable encryption and advanced computing capabilities, all linked through optical quantum networks.
- Søren Stobbe, professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and project coordinator, acknowledged the challenge.
Researchers have launched the EQUAL project, a major step toward building scalable quantum networks by creating new quantum light sources. Focused on erbium and silicon, this Danish-german initiative—backed by roughly 5.3 million euros—tackles the limitations hindering quantum advancements. Utilizing nanophotonic chips and advanced ion beam techniques, the project aims to integrate quantum light sources with quantum memories, and make them compatible with fiber-optic communication. The team, including contributions from Humboldt University and Beamfox Technologies, is setting the stage for unbreakable encryption and advanced computing as reported by News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for the project that could revolutionize technology.
Quantum Light Sources Project Using Erbium and Silicon Launched
Updated June 12, 2025
A collaborative effort between Danish and German researchers is underway to develop new quantum light sources and technology for scalable quantum networks. The project, dubbed EQUAL (Erbium-based silicon quantum light sources), focuses on the rare-earth element erbium. The Innovation Fund Denmark is backing the project with 40 million Danish crowns, approximately 5.3 million euros. The five-year initiative began in May.
The promise of quantum technology includes unbreakable encryption and advanced computing capabilities, all linked through optical quantum networks. However, current limitations stem from the lack of suitable quantum light sources. This project seeks to overcome that hurdle.
Søren Stobbe, professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and project coordinator, acknowledged the challenge. “It is a really challenging task, but we have also set a really strong team.One of the toughest goals is to integrate quantum light sources with quantum memories.This seemed unrealistic just a few years ago, but now we see a path forward,” Stobbe said.
The project’s technological approach combines nanophotonic chips from DTU with advancements in materials, nanoelectromechanics, nanolithography, and quantum systems. While various quantum light sources exist, many are incompatible with quantum memories or optical fibers. Erbium presents a viable alternative, though its interaction with light is weak. New nanophotonic technology developed at DTU aims to enhance this interaction.
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) will contribute by developing quantum light sources using silicon. These sources will operate at wavelengths compatible with fiber-optic communication,making them suitable for secure communication and powerful computing. Dr. Yonder Berencén, principal investigator from HZDR’s Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research, explained their approach. “We intend to use advanced ion beam techniques to implant erbium atoms into tiny silicon structures and study how using ultra-pure silicon can improve their performance. This research will lay the foundation for building quantum devices that can be integrated into today’s technology,” Berencén said.
Additional support comes from Humboldt University in Berlin (quantum networks), Beamfox Technologies ApS (nanotechnology), and Lizard photonics ApS (integrated photonics).
What’s next
The EQUAL project is expected to advance quantum technology, paving the way for more secure communication and powerful computing capabilities in the future.