Cisco/IBM RFP -Microwave to Optical Transduction for Quantum Computing Interconnect

Cisco and IBM have established a collaborative research and development initiative to advance the frontier of scalable, networked, and distributed quantum computing. Cisco Quantum Research is dedicated to the design and implementation of a practical, scalable, full-stack quantum network to interconnect and extend the capabilities of quantum computers. In parallel, IBM is developing a comprehensive full-stack quantum computing platform, with the objective of exploring approaches intended to enable quantum advantage-enabling quantum-centric supercomputing systems, which combine quantum and high-performance computing resources to surpass the computational performance of classical-only architectures.

Aligned with our joint vision, we invite proposals from leading researchers and academic groups for the design and realization of low noise microwave-to-optical quantum transduction. Proposals are solicited from Principal Investigators (PIs) with a proven track record in this domain. Submissions should address all the following critical criteria:

• Design: Subsystem architecture co-design to specify the protocol for achieving remote microwave entanglement.

• Quantum Performance: Quantitative analysis for achieving low input-referred added noise operation, e.g. <0.001 photons, for an entanglement rate of >50 kHz while through a combination of conversion efficiency, bandwidth, and repetition rate metrics.

• Engineering Practicality: Solutions for scalability, feasibility of integration, and compatibility with cryogenic and/or fiber-based deployment environments.

Proposal submissions should be no more than two pages in length and include a one-year funding request with clearly defined milestones to validate the feasibility of achieving proposed performance metrics within 3 years. Applicants are encouraged to focus on validating the highest technical risk of their architecture in year 1 for evaluation of further funding. Proposals must outline a technical roadmap including steps towards delivering a prototype transducer for an additional two years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year and continued business availability of funds.

Proposal Submission:

This proposal will be funded by IBM and Cisco via research grants or similar funding agreements.

Constraints and Other Information:

All intellectual property rights will remain with the respective institutions responsible for developing such intellectual property. Cisco and IBM expect customary scholarly dissemination of results, and anticipate that such results will be made available to the community under open access terms, subject to the specific terms of the grant agreement.