Project: Single-photon sources for quantum technologies

Photons are particles of light well suited to applications such as quantum communication, quantum computing and quantum metrology. This is because they travel at the speed of light and interact weakly with their surroundings, while being easily manipulated. However, the lack of single photon sources is limiting their use. For example, quantum key distribution and quantum cryptography offer theoretically failsafe computer security but are vulnerable to attack without a true single photon source. The realisation of a practical quantum computer also requires near perfect single photon sources. This project will develop compact and efficient single photon sources and use them to improve measurement performance. The devices developed will also represent a breakthrough in the acceptance and uptake of single photon sources by end users and the standardisation of the components will help accelerate the development of quantum communications.

Acronym EXL02 SIQUTE (Reference Number: EXL02)
Duration 01/06/2013 - 31/05/2016
Project Topic Metrology
Project Results
(after finalisation)
See Website
Website visit project website
Network EMRP
Call EMRP Call 2012 - Industry, SI Broader Scope and Open Excellence

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Coordinator Germany
2 Cesky Metrologicky Institut Partner Czech Republic
3 Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica Partner Italy
4 AS Metrosert Partner Estonia
5 Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy Partner Finland
6 NPL Management Limited Partner United Kingdom
7 The University System of Maryland Foundation, Inc. Observer United States
8 Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives France
9 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Denmark
10 Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen - Nürnberg Germany
11 Universität des Saarlandes Germany