QUROPE Quantum Information Processing and Communication in Europe

The objective is to conceive theoretically and develop experimentally novel and powerful technological applications of quantum coherence and entanglement. In particular, projects should develop a conceptual platform for potentially disruptive technologies, advance their scope and breadth and speed up the process of bringing them from the lab to the real world.

Target outcomes
The results obtained should push forward the boundaries of our knowledge and ensure a constant progress in the quantum ICT area, in particular by

a) Demonstration of quantum simulators capable to operate on quantum many-particle systems and to simulate technologically relevant systems (e.g., coupled systems in condensed matter, new materials and chemical compounds).

b) Demonstration of hybrid systems linking different quantum bit realizations (e.g., by bridging atomic/molecular and optical systems with condensed matter systems). Possible devices include those that interconnect different qubit memories and quantum information carriers, and quantum repeaters.

c) Novel quantum devices exploiting entanglement and quantum coherence as a resource, such as quantum sensing, imaging, measurement and communication.

d) Enabling methods and technologies to support aforementioned outcomes (e.g., the control of coherent operations with many quantum bits in the experimental domain, or the search for new algorithms and protocols in the theoretical domain).

e) A joint call for proposals on QICT, to be funded through an ERA-NET-Plus action between national and/or regional grant programmes.

STREPs should address at least one of the research foci a)-d), IPs should address two or more.

Expected impact

• Significant technological achievements with higher performance and superior energy efficiency such as entanglement assisted sensors and metrology
• Better understanding of the dynamics of complex systems and phenomena and design of novel artificial materials with tailored properties through quantum simulators and computers
• Extending the distance of secure quantum links through quantum repeaters
• Closer cooperation and greater alignment between the participating national/regional research programmes through an ERA-NET-Plus action

Funding schemes

a)-d): STREP, IP; e): ERA-NET-Plus

Indicative budget distribution

a)-d): EUR 15 million e): EUR 7 million (Any funds remaining following the selection of an ERA-NET-Plus action will be transferred to IP/STREP actions under this Objective)

Call

FP7-ICT-2011-9