QUROPE Quantum Information Processing and Communication in Europe

Quantum technologies involve the control and manipulation of quantum systems to achieve results not possible with classical matter. Naively, they can be seen just as the next step on from nanotechnology while still following traditional paradigms. However, quantum technologies give much more than this as they transfer technological applications to a different physical framework where devices are described by quantum laws. All technologies derive their power and their limitations from the laws of physics. Thus, bringing technology to a new and broader physical framework can provide fundamentally new capabilities. And in fact, these quantum technologies offer much more than cramming more and more bits to silicon and multiplying the clock–speed of the ubiquitous microprocessors: they support entirely new modes of computation with qualitatively new and powerful algorithms based on quantum principles, that do not have any classical analogues; they also offer provably secure communications, simulation capabilities unattainable with classical processors and sensors and clocks with unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy.
The present document provides an overview on the main advances in the last years in quantum technologies and identifies game-changing directions for future research. Moreover, it discusses how all this research effort can be incorporated within future proactive initiatives to be included in the next FET work programme for 2016 and 2017.
Since many years, quantum technologies have experienced impressive progress and gained a clear European dimension. There are already several important on-going national efforts, such as the recent UK investment of £270M. Yet, a comprehensive European synergy is essential for the full development of the field. From a scientific point of view, a comparably high level of synergy needs to be maintained between the fundamental and the application-oriented side of quantum technology research, according to the approach that FET has followed in this field since its inception.
The framework for interaction and coordination with the scientific branches of the EU research community in quantum technologies is structured around a set of five Virtual Institutes (VIs): the Virtual Institute of Quantum Communication, the Virtual Institute of Quantum Computation, the Virtual Institute of Quantum Information Sciences, the Virtual Institute of Quantum Simulation and the Virtual Institute of Quantum Metrology, Sensing, and Imaging. Each VI unites some prominent experts in the corresponding field, providing a contact point for consultation and feedback in the relevant areas. The different VIs have partially overlapping research agendas to facilitate close collaborations, complementing rather than duplicating each other. This document is structured around the same five areas and has been prepared in collaboration with the Directors and Executive
Quantum Technologies in H2020
Secretaries of all the VIs. For each of the areas, it describes the main objectives, the state of the art and the future challenges.