The QTF-Backbone: Proposal for a Nationwide Optical Fibre Backbone in Germany for Quantum Technology and Time and Frequency Metrology

Fuente: arXiv
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Autori principali: Blaum, Klaus, Kaufmann, Peter, Kronjäger, Jochen, Kück, Stefan, Liebisch, Tara Cubel, Meschede, Dieter, Naegele-Jackson, Susanne, Schiller, Stephan, Schnatz, Harald
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2025
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author Blaum, Klaus
Kaufmann, Peter
Kronjäger, Jochen
Kück, Stefan
Liebisch, Tara Cubel
Meschede, Dieter
Naegele-Jackson, Susanne
Schiller, Stephan
Schnatz, Harald
author_facet Blaum, Klaus
Kaufmann, Peter
Kronjäger, Jochen
Kück, Stefan
Liebisch, Tara Cubel
Meschede, Dieter
Naegele-Jackson, Susanne
Schiller, Stephan
Schnatz, Harald
contents The recent breakthroughs in the distribution of quantum information and high-precision time and frequency (T&F) signals over long-haul optical fibre networks have transformative potential for physically secure communications, resilience of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and fundamental physics. However, so far these capabilities remain confined to isolated testbeds, with quantum and T&F signals accessible, for example in Germany, to only a few institutions. We propose the QTF-Backbone: a dedicated national fibre-optic infrastructure in Germany for the networked distribution of quantum and T&F signals using dark fibres and specialized hardware. The QTF-Backbone is planned as a four-phase deployment over ten years to ensure scalable, sustainable access for research institutions and industry. The concept builds on successful demonstrations of high-TRL time and frequency distribution across Europe, including PTB-MPQ links in Germany, REFIMEVE in France, and the Italian LIFT network. The QTF-Backbone will enable transformative R&D, support a nationwide QTF ecosystem, and ensure the transition from innovation to deployment. As a national and European hub, it will position Germany and Europe at the forefront of quantum networking, as well as time and frequency transfer.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2506_03998
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle The QTF-Backbone: Proposal for a Nationwide Optical Fibre Backbone in Germany for Quantum Technology and Time and Frequency Metrology
Blaum, Klaus
Kaufmann, Peter
Kronjäger, Jochen
Kück, Stefan
Liebisch, Tara Cubel
Meschede, Dieter
Naegele-Jackson, Susanne
Schiller, Stephan
Schnatz, Harald
Instrumentation and Detectors
Atomic Physics
Geophysics
Quantum Physics
The recent breakthroughs in the distribution of quantum information and high-precision time and frequency (T&F) signals over long-haul optical fibre networks have transformative potential for physically secure communications, resilience of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and fundamental physics. However, so far these capabilities remain confined to isolated testbeds, with quantum and T&F signals accessible, for example in Germany, to only a few institutions. We propose the QTF-Backbone: a dedicated national fibre-optic infrastructure in Germany for the networked distribution of quantum and T&F signals using dark fibres and specialized hardware. The QTF-Backbone is planned as a four-phase deployment over ten years to ensure scalable, sustainable access for research institutions and industry. The concept builds on successful demonstrations of high-TRL time and frequency distribution across Europe, including PTB-MPQ links in Germany, REFIMEVE in France, and the Italian LIFT network. The QTF-Backbone will enable transformative R&D, support a nationwide QTF ecosystem, and ensure the transition from innovation to deployment. As a national and European hub, it will position Germany and Europe at the forefront of quantum networking, as well as time and frequency transfer.
title The QTF-Backbone: Proposal for a Nationwide Optical Fibre Backbone in Germany for Quantum Technology and Time and Frequency Metrology
topic Instrumentation and Detectors
Atomic Physics
Geophysics
Quantum Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.03998