Communications technologies

Several technologies have been developed at CERN over the years to support specific needs of the Accelerators Complex, such as time synchronisation or alignment of physical components along the LHC 27 km path. Such technologies have applications outside their original intent, in particular in quantum computing and quantum communications.
A significant example is the White Rabbit (WR) technology developed at CERN to provide sub-nanosecond accuracy and picoseconds precision of synchronisation for the LHC accelerators chain. It was first used in 2012 and since then has been showcasing its diverse industrial applications outside the field of particle physics. On 16 June, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) updated the Precision Time Protocol industry-standard (PTP), incorporating the White Rabbit PTP extension and thus maximising its adoption by industry and other partners in their pursuit to build innovative solutions to address world challenges.
This Ethernet-based technology, which ensures sub-nanosecond synchronisation and deterministic data transfer, is now deployed in numerous scientific infrastructures worldwide. It has shown its innovative potential by being commercialised and introduced into different industries, including telecommunications, financial markets, smart grids, space industry and of course, quantum computing and communication. Discussions for further joint co-development of this technology specifically for quantum communications are taking place with industrial and research technology providers.
Another example is the possible applications of structured laser beams. A structured laser beam system, developed by a team of CERN surveyors in collaboration with the Institute of Plasma Physics in Prague (IPP), is currently already deployed in communications applications, and there is interest in investigating the potential applications in quantum communications. The structured laser beam system is capable of producing beams that are virtually non-diffractive over several hundred metres, whereas systems currently available on the market produce such beams over a distance of only a few metres.