CoC3: Quantum Networks and Communication

Quantum Networks and Communication

CERN, the birthplace of the World Wide Web, is now contributing to the development of a future quantum internet. Through its quantum networks competence center, CERN is investigating the feasibility of entanglement distribution over existing fiber infrastructure.

A core focus of this work is multiplexing quantum photons with classical White Rabbit (WR) timing signals on a single optical fiber. By using WR to provide sub-nanosecond synchronisation, the network can maintain the precise temporal coordination required to successfully distribute entangled pairs between remote nodes.

Carried out in collaboration with industry and academia, these activities explore how high-precision timing can coexist with quantum states on fiber — a practical step toward scalable quantum networking.

Entanglement distribution with White Rabbit

These activities demonstrates the distribution of polarisation entangled photo pairs multiplexed on the same optical fibre as the classical White Rabbit signal used for synchronisation, with the objective to optimise quantum-classical co-existence for longer distance experiments.

These experiments are implemented locally at CERN, as well as in the Geneva Quantum Network. You can read more here.

The White Rabbit Collaboration is supporting a range of quantum technology companies, promoting and facilitating the use of White Rabbit as the synchronisation protocol for quantum networks and the controls of quantum experiments.