Initiative for the Development of a QTF-Backbone
Initiative for the construction of a common fiber network for quantumtechnologies and time & frequency signals
The goal of the ongoing initiative is the construction and operation of a common fiber network for research, development and applications in the areas quantum technology and time & frequency signals.
Such a network would be a solid basis for the german activity in the area of quantum technologies as it would enable research regarding the interconnectivity of quantum computers or applications in the area of tap-proof communication with QKD amongst others. Furthermore, the national access to extremely precise time and frequency signals would for example enable tests of fundamental physical constants and geodynamial measurements. Comparable projects in other European countries are often more advanced and there also exist plans for the creation of an European network. Finally the redefinition of the SI-second planned for 2030 requires extremly precise time & frequency signals and a groundbased network represents a strategic alternative for satellite based systems.
After first considerations in early 2022 (P. Kaufmann, S. Naegele-Jackson. An overall picture for Time&Frequency and quantum communication in X-WiN. April 2022), an initiative developed, which nowadays has support from individual supporters but also institutions.
On the website of the QTF project, it is still possible to support the initiative and propose concret applications.
External links:
website of the QTF initiative: https://www.ptb.de/cms/en/qtf-de-backbone.html
presentation of the initiative on the SQuaD website: https://www.squad-germany.de/en/initiative-for-the-development-of-a-qtf-backbone/