In a significant stride toward the future of quantum computing, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) conducted a test run of its Automatic Polarization Compensation (APC) technology on EPB Quantum Network's commercial platform. The groundbreaking event, driven by ORNL's collaboration with EPB and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), inaugurates a new phase in the application of quantum technologies outside of a pure research setting. As reported by ORNL, this move is to thoroughly test and potentially validate the commercial potential of such technologies.
According to ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer in a statement made by ORNL, “ORNL’s strong collaborations with EPB and UTC create an ideal opportunity to develop and validate cutting-edge technologies by utilizing Chattanooga’s world-class fiber optic network and smart grid as a proving ground.” This partnership is set to harness the capabilities of the city's sophisticated infrastructure to advance quantum applications. At the heart of this endeavor, the APC technology developed by ORNL research scientist Joseph Chapman serves a critical role in maintaining quantum data integrity over a network while being buffeted by typical perturbations like temperature fluctuations and environmental disturbances.
The EPB Quantum Network, energized by technology from Qubitekk, is currently configured with a capacity for ten quantum interconnected user nodes throughout downtown Chattanooga. Each node leverages commercial network equipment inclusive of their APC—highlighted by Qubitekk co-founder and CTO Duncan Earl as "essential components for interconnecting quantum technologies." Earl further clarified that collaborative runs on real-world networks are crucial "to developing the array of commercially viable quantum technologies necessary for the U.S. to compete in this rapidly emerging global industry," as per the ORNL.
As for UTC embracing its role in this venture, Chancellor Steven Angle noted the unique opportunity afforded to the faculty and students, enabling them to collaborate with the expert minds at ORNL. "We will have access to resources for research and learning that are not available anywhere else," Angle elucidated in an ORNL interview, solidifying the university's commitment to academic and technological growth through such partnerships.
