- Enabling Interfaces: Towards the Standardization of matter-flying Transducers
Quantum Technologies
A key challenge in building the Quantum Internet is integrating different qubit technologies, each with its own strengths and limitations, since no single qubit platform can fulfill all the requirements for storage, processing, and communication simultaneously. Indeed, both the scientific and industrial communities widely agree that the Quantum Internet will likely rely on superconducting qubits for information processing while flying qubits will be used to distribute entangled states across network nodes. Indeed, on one hand, superconducting circuits are adopted for quantum computation because of their capabilities to realize fast gates and their high scalability. These benefits come at the price of operating at cryogenic temperatures, which in turn challenge the development of large-scale quantum networks. On the other hand, optical photons are recognized as quantum carriers to fulfill communication needs, as they enable high-rate, low-loss transmission and can be easily controlled using standard optical components. However, the main challenge underlining the interaction between these two technologies lies in the huge gap between their operating frequencies: optical photons work at hundreds of terahertz while superconducting circuits at a few GHz. Therefore, it is mandatory to realize a matter-flying interface, namely a quantum transducer, performing quantum transduction to enable the interaction among different qubit platforms. This interface must convert one type of qubit to another and be compatible with the characteristics of the physical channels used for flying qubits, including optical fibers and free-space optical links. In this project, we present quantum transduction from a communication perspective, by shedding the light on its fundamental role within quantum network design and deployment.
From a European perspective, the expected impact is twofold. Firstly, it aims at catalyzing innovation by providing a foundational framework upon which diverse quantum technologies can be developed and integrated. Secondly, it will reinforce Europe’s strategic position in the global quantum race, ensuring that European standards and best practices shape the future of quantum communications. This will facilitate ensuring that its values and regulations are embedded in the next generation of Internet infrastructure.
- Update of existing work items
- Quantum-Native Architectural Tenets and Philosophy for the Quantum Internet
Quantum Technologies
In the medium to long term, this activity is expected to support a shared foundation for scalable and interoperable Quantum Internet infrastructures. By advancing the IRTF QIRG Internet-Draft “Quantum-Native Architectural Tenets and Philosophy for the Quantum Internet”, which extends RFC 9340 on quantum-native control, orchestration, and forwarding, the work promotes early consensus and alignment with related efforts. It thus contributes to Action 5 of the ICT Rolling Plan 2026 by helping avoid duplication and strengthening EU influence in global standardization. For the EU, this can reduce fragmentation and reinforce technological sovereignty in quantum communications. From these foundations, European SMEs may benefit from clearer architectural requirements, reduced uncertainty and integration costs, and lower barriers to developing interoperable components, software, control solutions, and network services. A shared international framework can also facilitate cross-border collaboration, access to emerging markets, and participation in future quantum-network value chains without dependence on incompatible proprietary architectures.
- New standard development
- Revision of existing work items
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Custom funding impact (2nd Open Call 2029)This short-term fellowship supports my activities within IRTF Quantum Internet Research Group (QIRG). There I continue to contribute to the first Internet-Draft on Quantum-Native architectural design, an active pre-standardisation document progressing through the iterative, community-driven process typical of IETF/IRTF activities. Also, the contribution of these fellowship activities to RFC 9340 is provided through architectural alignment and forward-looking extension. The activities conducted supported structured discussion of an Internet-Draft that explicitly builds upon and refines the architectural principles introduced in RFC 9340
Title & Organisation Name: University of Naples Federico II
Country: Italy
