Canada excellence research chair in global quantum internet systems
The CERC in Global Quantum Internet Systems program is an ambitious eight-year initiative focused on developing the technologies, systems, and applications needed to realize the global quantum internet. The work centers on photonic systems and silicon-based quantum devices to support long-distance and multi-node quantum information transfer.
What we do
- Build technologies for a secure and efficient global quantum internet
- Test fibre-optic networks and satellites to ensure reliability
- Integrate silicon photonics for long-distance multinode quantum networks
Led by Dr. Thomas Jennewein, this project involves both theoretical development and practical testing of quantum communication systems. These include fibre-optic networks and satellite-based platforms, such as the upcoming Quantum EncrYption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission. These real-world tests are designed to evaluate the performance and reliability of quantum communication technologies under operational conditions.
The project builds on British Columbia’s active quantum research and technology community and contributes to broader efforts to establish secure, high-performance quantum communication infrastructure in Canada and internationally.
Key focus area:
Integration of silicon photonics—developed in collaboration with Simon Fraser University and Photonic Inc.—with long-range quantum communication systems to support the development of scalable, multinode quantum netoworks.
Upcoming Projects
QEYSSat 2.0
QEYSSAT 2.0 is a proposed satellite mission designed to take quantum communication in Canada to the next level. Building on the success of the first QEYSSAT mission, this project aims to enable long-distance quantum entanglement distribution and teleportation across the country—key steps toward creating a secure, Canada-wide quantum internet.
Unlike traditional encryption, which will be vulnerable to future quantum computers, quantum communication uses the laws of physics to guarantee security. QEYSSAT 2.0 will develop and test advanced technologies such as quantum repeaters, photon sources, and quantum memories, overcoming current distance limits and paving the way for ultra-secure networking on a national scale.
Recent publications
- Stéphane Vinet, Wilson Wu, Yujie Zhang, and Thomas Jennewein, "Feasibility study of frequency-encoded photonic qubits over a free-space channel," Opt. Express 33, 40437-40449 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.552079