EPiQuR: Exploring Practical Integrated-Photonic Quantum Computing at Room Temperature

The project EPiQuR aims to advance the accessibility of photonic quantum computing by developing a compact and robust demonstrator based on a programmable photonic chip that operates at room temperature. Integrated photonics is among the most promising platforms for quantum computing due to its inherent scalability and compatibility with existing microfabrication technologies. Another key advantage is the ability to operate at room temperature, in contrast to most other quantum platforms that require deep cryogenic cooling. However, an important factor is optical losses, particularly due to non-ideal fiber-to-chip coupling and the limited detection efficiency of room-temperature single-photon detectors. To address this, a consortium comprising LioniX International, PhiX Photonics Assembly, and the Applied Nanotechnology (ANT) research group at Saxion will develop a proof-of-principle photonic-chip-based quantum demonstrator with optimized optical coupling minimizing optical losses.
The challenges in building such a demonstrator are related to making it compact and achieving the required low optical losses, thus ensuring its portability and all-room-temperature quantum operation. Particular focus will be on optimizing optical coupling by exploring possible solutions using finite-element modelling and implementing the most suitable one in practice. The results of this study will be applicable beyond the implementation in the demonstrator. The consortium is expected to serve as the basis for a larger follow-up project within the RAAK-MKB program. The demonstrator will also be further utilized for public engagement and education in applied quantum technologies.