New hardware for quantum networks

The realisation of global quantum networks is a key research topic for future quantum technologies. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics have developed a new and promising hardware platform for this purpose: Up to one hundred individual erbium atoms are controlled in an optical resonator with laser light. This makes it possible to use them as stationary quantum bits and to network them by exchanging photons - a first important step on the way to a quantum internet that connects quantum computers and sensors worldwide.