PICQUE · Photonic Integrated Compound Quantum Encoding

Quantum information was born from the merging of information science and quantum physics. Its main objective consists of harnessing the quantum nature of information and learning how to process it by using physical systems operating according quantum mechanics laws. Being supported by numerous proofs-of-principle, the field is now ready to proceed to move to the next level of applications, where several quantum bits are interfaced. This includes quantum simulation, quantum chemistry, to quantum cryptography and quantum sensing. For this purpose, integrated photonic circuits have a strong potential to implement quantum information processing in optical systems.Europe has built a unique world-wide leading position in this area, hosting almost all the world-leading groups in this field which constitute the core of this international training network. Realizing the promise of “Integrated Quantum Photonics” now requires research and training not only in quantum physics and quantum optics, but also in photonics engineering, and material science.PICQUE is at the core of European technological innovation. Excellence in science is guaranteed by the involvement of world-leading groups which founded this research area. All the basic components of a photonic quantum processor will be addressed: generation, manipulation and detection of photon states. Particular attention will be devoted to potential applications and on how to interface all the different components PICQUE will establish a world-class training platform spreading around the highly interdisciplinar y/inter-sectorial European-led area of quantum integrated photonics. By pushing the development of quantum optical technologies we foresee results of interest also for standard optical technologies. PICQUE will aims at forming the new generation of quantum information scientists, as well as figures being able to interact with the industry.