Optica Incubator on Quantum Network Systems Research
Events
Optica Incubator on Quantum Network Systems Research
03 - 05 December 2025
Optica Global Headquarters, Washington, DC, USA
Hosts
Dan Kilper, CONNECT, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Inder Monga, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
Anuj Agrawal, CONNECT, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Wenji Wu, ESnet, USA
Program Overview
Recently, different quantum network technologies and network architectures based on those technologies have been proposed. While experimental realizations of quantum networks are still developing, much of the network scale research is highly theoretical and often physics or information theory-based.
The underlying infrastructure of future quantum networks will be an optical system. Optical networking research related to quantum networks, however, has been largely nascent. In this regard, one obstacle to optical system research is the lack of accepted system architectures upon which engineering research questions can be framed.
This incubator seeks to establish a set of early system architectures for quantum communication networks. Based on current technology developments, the meeting will examine the emerging system architectures and the research opportunities that lie ahead. It will further seek consensus on defining key metrics and establishing enabling practices to accelerate research. The findings of this meeting will be crucial for both academia and industry and will guide future standards and developments in quantum networks.
Scope and Goals
Through invited talks on different candidate quantum network architectures and technologies followed by round-table discussions, this incubator will consider quantum network components and subsystems and their integration into systems and networks. Architectures will include repeatered and unrepeatered systems, and their use in quantum network applications and protocols, including distributed quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum key distribution, among others. This incubator seeks to answer the following questions:
- What is the status and current prospects for scalable quantum networks and quantum network architectures?
- What are the basic building blocks of quantum networks that need to be defined and developed?
- What system engineering research can be applied to accelerate the development of these building blocks?
- What are key quantum system-scale research problems and their formulation for engineering research and development?
- What are the key applications and related protocols emerging for quantum networks?
- What are the most important research challenges that need to be addressed in this area in the next 5 years?
- Can we establish a common glossary of terms that are clear and understandable across disciplines?
Are you interested in attending?
We welcome requests from individuals who may want to join us at this incubator meeting. Please send a brief letter of interest and a CV to the hosts at incubators@optica.org to request your invitation.
Meeting Schedule
The program, including breakfasts and lunches, will be held at Optica Global Headquarters, 2010 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Dinners, which are also included in the registration fee, will be held at local restaurants. All times approximate, check back for a detailed agenda.
Wednesday, 03 December 2025
- Welcome dinner, location to be announced, at 18:00 EST
Thursday, 04 December 2025
- Breakfast begins at 08:00 EST at Optica Global Headquarters
- Program begins at 08:30 EST, lunch is included onsite
- Networking dinner, location to be announced, begins at 18:00 EST
Friday, 05 December 2025
- Breakfast begins at 08:00 EST at Optica Global Headquarters
- Program begins at 08:30 EST, lunch is included onsite
- Adjourn at 14:00 EST
Additional Information
This page will provide you with information on receiving a letter of invitation if required for your visa, as well as additional logistical and area information.
