ORCA Computing is leading a research and development consortium with Toshiba Europe, Bay Photonics, Imperial College London, and University College London to develop multiplexing technologies for quantum networking. The consortium aims to advance quantum computing and data centers by developing advanced multiplexing and switching technologies for large-scale quantum data transfer. The project will deliver a suite of technologies including quantum memories, frequency shifters, and spatial switches. This will allow quantum computers to scale to performance levels necessary for industrial scale quantum computing and networking. Josh Nunn, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer at ORCA Computing, will discuss the project at the Quantum for International Workshop.

ORCA Computing’s Quantum Networking Consortium

ORCA Computing, a quantum computing company, has recently announced the formation of a research and development consortium. The consortium, which includes Toshiba Europe, Ltd., Bay Photonics, Ltd., Imperial College London, and University College London, aims to develop multiplexing technologies to advance quantum networking. This technology is intended for use in quantum computing and data centers. The consortium’s goal is to develop advanced multiplexing and switching technologies for large-scale quantum data transfer, which is a necessary step to scale quantum computing for commercial application.

Quantum Networking and Its Importance

Quantum networking is crucial for the transmission and sharing of quantum information. Multiplexing and switching are foundational techniques in the telecommunications industry, enabling ultra-high data transmission rates. Bob Sorensen, Senior VP of Research at Hyperion Research, explains that for enterprise use-cases to fully benefit from quantum computing, effective quantum networking will be needed. This will facilitate the scaling up of quantum systems beyond the limits of individual quantum processors. The development of advanced components for large-scale quantum data transfer is a critical next step for the industry and could drive significant market advancements.

ORCA’s Quantum Networking Project

Drawing from ORCA’s extensive experience in quantum control of photons, the project aims to significantly advance quantum networking capabilities. This has broad implications for high performance computing and cloud data centers. For the first time, a suite of technologies will be delivered and operated in tandem: quantum memories, frequency shifters, and spatial switches. This will allow the networking that takes place within and between quantum computers to exponentially scale to performance levels necessary for industrial scale quantum computing and networking.

Expected Outcomes and Implications

Josh Nunn, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer at ORCA Computing, anticipates that this project will mark a significant step forward in current multiplexing and switching technologies. This will foster the growth of quantum networking and advance telecommunications. The anticipated result of this project will be a world-first demonstration of three high-performance quantum communications technologies used together. Combined with ORCA’s approach to modular system design, users can benefit from both superior performance and upgradability.

ORCA Computing, headquartered in London, UK with offices in the United States and Canada, is a developer and provider of full-stack photonic quantum computing systems. Established in 2019 and originating from the University of Oxford, the company provides an innovative approach to photonic quantum computing. ORCA’s proprietary methods of manipulating the time, frequency and switching of single photons paves the way for quantum computing using significantly fewer components. ORCA Computing has successfully delivered numerous on-premises quantum computers to leading customers including the UK Ministry of Defense and the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center.

Source：https://quantumzeitgeist.com/orca-computing-spearheads-quantum-networking-rd-consortium-with-toshiba-bay-photonics-and-london-universities/