Equinox

Quantum scalable networks for secure communication, advanced sensing and distributed quantum computing require a robust eco-system of optical and photonic building blocks at the physical layer to assemble distributed and scalable quantum interconnect networks. To allow the distribution and processing of qubits in the form of entangled photons and single photons EQUINOX will develop a suite of critical physical layer building blocks at the quantum fabric, board and chip level. EQUINOX will also develop new metrology schemes for quantum fidelity of physical layer interconnect components and prepare the first international standards for quantum interconnect through the IEC TC86 and the newly established UK managed IEC-ISO Joint Technical Committee on Quantum Technologies. The EQUINOX consortium spans a UK value chain suitable to deliver quantum subsystem development, interconnection, metrology and validation in hyperscale data centres, HPC and 5G environments, thus underpinning the UK's place as the world-leader in the future quantum network ecosystem. EQUINOX will help establish an extended UK quantum supply chain, empowering the UK and international customers, both small and large, to access UK quantum goods and services by supplying validated performance characteristics for 2nd generation quantum network technologies.