The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) takes on the challenge of developing quantum network technology to connect quantum computers.
On March 20th, President Ho Seong Lee of KRISS held a press conference in Seoul to explain the institution’s future operating plans, including the “Global TOP Strategic Research Team” that is under application to the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The “Global TOP Strategic Research Team” program, with a budget of 100 billion won (USD 75M) this year, aims to generate significant through the collaboration of government labs. Currently, 51 proposals are in the selection process.
The “Development of Core Technologies for Multi-Platform Distributed Quantum Systems” introduced at the press conference is the only proposal from the quantum field. Participating organizations include KRISS and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI).
President Lee stated, “There are various types of quantum computers under development such as superconducting platforms by KRISS, and neutral atom and photonic platforms by KIST. To connect these quantum computers, a quantum network is necessary.” He emphasized that the key point is the technology to connect quantum computers without compromising their quantum properties.
He added, “There has not been a successful example worldwide, and many people are trying to improve in this area. Resolving this connection issue is the main focus of the project.”
A quantum network is a transmission system that can exchange quantum states between two separated quantum computers (processors) and is considered an essential technology for the future expansion of quantum technology.
KRISS has conducted research on basic physical quantities such as mass and time, as well as measurement-related research in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and industry. Since precise measurement of quantum states is essential for quantum technology, KRISS has ventured into quantum technology leveraging its measurement capabilities.
President Lee stated, “Quantum signals are noisy, and the performance is determined by how to eliminate noise and accurately measure the signal. In the United States, for example, technology spreads under the leadership of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), that has specialty in measurements.”
In addition to developing a 50-qubit quantum computer and quantum network components by 2026, KRISS is also researching quantum sensing technology.
Vice President Park, Yon-kyu said, “In terms of quantum gravity sensors, we have obtained sufficient performance at the laboratory level, and now we need research for practical usability such as on durability, and miniaturization.” He emphasized the importance of quantum sensing technology for national strategic purposes such as submarine operations without GPS and mineral exploration. He predicted that sensing technology would be commercialized before quantum computers.