Quantum networks: A new era of interconnectedness | NSF

The backside line

• Just as digital networks have enabled communication between computer systems and different digital units, quantum networks can allow communication between a new technology of quantum units, enhancing their talents and unlocking new purposes.
• NSF is pushing forward with science and engineering for quantum networks that might present new technological capabilities, like exact navigation in areas the place communication with GPS satellites is unattainable.
• By constructing the nationwide infrastructure and specialised “quantum-ready” workforce wanted to maneuver quantum expertise from the lab to {the marketplace}, NSF is guaranteeing the U.S. stays on the vanguard of this rising {industry}.

What are quantum networks?

Today’s web strikes data between units utilizing bits, models of knowledge that exist in a single of two states: 0 or 1. Quantum networks are designed to maneuver a distinct variety of data: quantum data. Instead of bits, quantum units use quantum bits, or “qubits,” which behave in keeping with the principles of quantum mechanics.

Unlike bizarre bits, qubits have the seemingly unattainable (however actual) means to concurrently be in state 0, state 1 and a mix of each — a phenomenon often known as superposition. Qubits will also be linked to at least one one other by way of one other quantum phenomenon known as entanglement, the place adjustments to at least one qubit instantaneously have an effect on the others, even throughout lengthy distances.

Quantum networks essentially change how knowledge is transferred. By connecting quantum sensors and quantum computer systems, they transcend the boundaries of standard, binary-based techniques to supply unprecedented precision and connectivity.

Why do quantum networks matter?

Quantum networks will permit geographically separated sensors to work in unison, dramatically bettering measurements for a variety of purposes — from earthquake prediction to agricultural monitoring, navigation to gravitational-wave detection.

For occasion, by studying Earth’s distinctive magnetic and gravitational fingerprints, quantum-networked sensors may allow GPS-free positioning. This ensures emergency responders can navigate autonomously by way of satellite tv for pc darkish zones, resembling deep tunnels and underwater environments.

Beyond sensing, quantum networks can mix the processing energy of discrete quantum computer systems to unravel issues far past the attain of a single machine, resembling simulating molecular interactions for drug discovery or accelerating supplies science analysis to create higher batteries and photo voltaic cells.

What alternatives stay?

While quantum networks provide distinctive enhancements over classical networks, additionally they include distinctive challenges. For instance, the quantum states that should be maintained in these networks are fragile and simply disturbed by slight environmental fluctuations, like adjustments in temperature. Quantum alerts can even degrade as they journey by way of fiber-optic cables or the environment, which presently limits the gap of dependable transmission.

Unlike classical alerts, quantum data can’t be copied or amplified, so addressing these points would require the event of “quantum repeaters”: high-tech relay stations that retailer and retransmit quantum states with out destroying them.

NSF-funded researchers are pioneering long-lived quantum recollections and superior photon detectors — the core parts wanted to make repeaters work — alongside satellite-based hyperlinks to bypass ground-level fiber obstacles. By integrating these improvements into current infrastructure, NSF is bridging the hole between theoretical analysis and sensible utility, bringing quantum networks nearer to actuality.

NSF’s investments in quantum networking

Laying the groundwork

For a long time, NSF-funded analysis has laid the groundwork for scalable quantum infrastructure by supporting key developments in quantum data science, superior circuits and state manipulation.

• Proving entanglement (Seventies-Nineteen Eighties): Building on the seminal 1972 experiments by John Clauser and Stuart Freedman, subsequent breakthroughs by Alain Aspect and Anton Zeilinger verified that quantum entanglement is an actual, purposeful phenomenon. Supported by crucial NSF funding, which backed Zeilinger’s landmark experiments and Aspect’s main U.S. collaborations, this collective physique of work earned Clauser, Aspect and Zeilinger the 2022 Nobel Prize in physics. Their discoveries demonstrated that particles can stay linked throughout any distance and laid the muse for the primary quantum communication hyperlinks.
• No cloning theorem (1982): NSF supported the foundational analysis of William Wootters and Wojciech Zurek, which led to their seminal paper, “A single quantum cannot be cloned,” in Nature and the ensuing “no cloning” theorem. The theorem, which states that an arbitrary, unknown quantum state can’t be completely duplicated, has essentially altered our understanding of quantum mechanics. It solidified the excellence between quantum and classical data by demonstrating that, not like classical knowledge, quantum data can’t be backed up or copied.
• Superconducting electronics (the mid-Nineteen Eighties): NSF-funded researchers John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis demonstrated that quantum tunneling might be noticed in macroscopic superconducting circuits. Their breakthrough proved “hand-sized” techniques may behave as quantum objects, resulting in the creation of the superconducting qubits, which energy quantum recollections and communication nodes — a breakthrough acknowledged with a 2025 Nobel Prize in physics.
• Quantum state teleportation and distillation (1993-1997): NSF-funded researcher Charles Bennett and colleague Charles Brassard launched quantum teleportation, utilizing entanglement to switch the unknown quantum states (the data or “qubit”) between places. This concept proved that entanglement may operate as a sensible useful resource for transmitting data. They later developed entanglement distillation to “purify” alerts for dependable transmission. These discoveries helped outline the conceptual framework for quantum networking and earned them the 2025 Association for Computing Machinery A.M. Turing Prize.
• Bose-Einstein condensate (1995): With NSF assist, Eric Cornell, Wolfgang Ketterle and Carl Wieman created the primary Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) (2001 Nobel Prize), a “superatom” state of matter the place atoms act in good unison. This collective conduct offers a superb platform for quantum reminiscence — the power to catch and retailer fragile quantum knowledge with out destroying it. The discovery of BEC and different platforms for quantum reminiscence may speed up the event of quantum repeaters that will someday turn into important for extending the vary of networks over longer distances.

Taking quantum networks into the long run

The subsequent frontier will deal with transferring quantum expertise out of labs and into the cities’ energy grids and modular quantum computer systems of tomorrow. This transition requires growing the important {hardware}, resembling quantum repeaters, and software program structure essential to assist scalable quantum networks.

• From regional take a look at beds to nationwide infrastructure

  • NSF is driving this transition by funding regional take a look at beds like QuantumGrid in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Here, researchers are testing quantum alerts inside current underground fiber-optic cables to bolster the nation’s energy grid, making a blueprint for the primary commercially obtainable quantum community and computing heart.
  • Supporting these regional efforts is a broader community of university-based interdisciplinary NSF Engineering Research Centers (NSF ERC). Through strategic university-industry partnerships, NSF ERCs pursue high-risk, high-payoff analysis to unravel complicated technical challenges. For occasion, the Center for Quantum Networks is growing your complete expertise stack to reliably join quantum processors and transfer quantum knowledge throughout the nation. To obtain this, they’re constructing take a look at beds that combine optical fiber and satellite tv for pc communication platforms to determine America’s Quantum Networks.

• Building a quantum-ready workforce

  • As these rising applied sciences turn into commercialized, cultivating a specialised, quantum-ready workforce turns into a nationwide precedence. NSF is assembly this demand by growing the expertise pipeline wanted to steer and maintain this rising {industry}. Key initiatives embody:
    • The NSF Physics Frontiers Centers spur breakthroughs in physics, together with quantum analysis, whereas offering mentorship to the subsequent technology of scientists and engineers, guaranteeing they’re prepared to steer within the lab and past.
    • Through the QuantumGrid project, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and companions just lately launched the nation’s first quantum pre-apprenticeship. This program equips early- to mid-career professionals with the talents to steer quantum adoption in sectors resembling data expertise, logistics and power.
    • NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes (NSF QLCI) are large-scale hubs tackling main hurdles in quantum computation, networking and sensing, whereas increasing coaching alternatives in communities nationwide. A prime instance is the NSF QLCI for Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN), which scales quantum processors into interconnected networks to construct extra highly effective computer systems. To date, HQAN has skilled over 150 professionals and 22 academics and engaged greater than 12,000 Ok-12 college students and 16,400 group members.

• Democratizing entry to instruments of innovation

  • To make sure the quantum revolution reaches each nook of the nation, NSF is eradicating geographical and monetary obstacles to innovation:

    • NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory: This formidable effort is accelerating the event of quantum applied sciences by offering researchers wherever within the U.S. with distant entry to specialised assets. Now within the design stage, the lab will broaden entry to the {hardware} and software program wanted for quantum science, engineering and expertise growth.
    • NSF National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NSF NQNI): Launched in 2026, this $100 million initiative is a nationwide community of 16 university-hosted, open-access websites designed to drive quantum manufacturing and workforce coaching. The program offers college students, researchers and startups with entry to superior fabrication instruments and experience to decrease obstacles in quantum expertise and semiconductor growth.
    • NSF X-Labs: Launched in 2026, this $1.5 billion initiative will assist unbiased groups of researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs to unravel particular scientific challenges. Focus areas embody drawing on quantum sensing and AI to construct next-generation scientific devices, and growing novel parts to switch quantum data.

    By democratizing entry to state-of-the-art instruments, NSF ensures the U.S. leads the quantum revolution, growing the expertise and expertise to bolster nationwide safety and develop the economic system.

Delve deeper: Learn more about NSF’s history of investments in quantum.

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