Proposal for a nationwide optical fibre backbone in Germany for quantum technology and time and frequency metrology
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: 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 timing infrastructure (such as that supporting Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)) and fundamental physics. To date, these capabilities remain confined to isolated testbeds, with quantum and T&F signals accessible, for example in Germany, to only a few institutions. In this white paper 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 specialised 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 time and frequency distribution at high Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) across Europe, including PTB–MPQ links in Germany, REFIMEVE in France, and the Italian LIFT network. The QTF Backbone will enable transformative Research and Development (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 T&F transfer.
Source: MPG.PuRe (Max Planck Society)
Authors: Cubel, T., Kaufmann, P., Schnatz, H., Naegele-Jackson, S., Kronjäger, J., Blaum, K. ; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4468-9316, Kück, S., Meschede, D., Schiller, S., Agazzi, L., Alighanbari, S., Ankerhold, J., Astakhov, G., Barz, S., Baumann, I., Baumgart, R., Becher, C., Bekker, H., Benson, O., Bianco, P., Bieber, R., Bloch, I., Blumröder, U., Bockholt, R., Bouman, J., Braxmaier, C., Brehm, E., Bruss, D., Budker, D., Bungartz, H., Busley, E., Crespo López-Urrutia, J. ; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2937-8037, Denz, C., Deppe, C., Dietl, G., Ding, F., Eickermann, T., Elsen, F., Ertmer, W., Filipp, S., Fischer, M., Flury, J., Fröhlich, T., Furthner, J., Gerhardt, I., Giering, K., Glingener, C., Grießer, H., Grimm, R., Grimm, C., Gritsch, A., Hack, F., Hänsch, T., Halfmann, T., Hanemann, A., Harlacher, D., Hegemann, N., Heindel, T., Heinkelmann, R., Hellmich, L., Hildmann, T., Hock, D., Höfling, S., Höft, B., Hofmann, H., Holleczek, P., Holzwarth, R., Hommel, W., Hühn, T., Hugentobler, U., Hunger, D., Huntemann, N., Issever, C., Jelezko, F., Jöns, K., Johann, T., Jousset, P., Jungbluth, B., Kärtner, F., Kankel, J., Kaufmann, H., Khabi, D., Kissinger, T., Klempt, C., Klügel, T., Kniggendorf, A., Kodet, J., Konrad, U., Kopp, J., Kramer, M., Kremling, S., Krist, M., Krutzik, M., Kwasniok, S., Leifels, Y., Leuchs, G., Lisdat, C., Litvinov, Y., Lochter, M., Loock, P., Lüsse, P., Manske, E., Mehlstäubler, T., Michler, P., Micke, P., Migura, M., Müller, J., Nörtershäuser, W., Pachnicke, S., Paffrath, R., Peik, E., Pempe, W., Peters, A., Pfeifer, T. ; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5312-3747, Piester, D., Pohl, R., Rasel, E., Reiser, H., Reiserer, A., Rieck, M., Riehle, F., Ritter, S., Rogge, N., Ruiz Ben, E., Sajith, L., Sanchez, L., Schäfer, V. ; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1000-3737, Schaefer, W., Schieferdecker, N., Schmidt, P., Schnabel, R., Schön, S., Schreiber, U., Schuck, C., Schuh, H., Schulz, H., Schulz-Zander, J., Schwanke, U., Seifert, J., Sengstock, K., Shafak, K., Silberhorn, C., Smorra, C., Spethmann, N., Steiert, J., Stellmer, S., Sterr, U., Stöhlker, T., Stuhler, J., Sturm, S. ; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0309-5311, Thirolf, P., Tobeck, C., Udem, T., Ulmer, S., Vasilyan, S., Vincent, A., Vogl, T., Vogl, R., Walther, T., Weinfurter, H., Weinheimer, C., Wense, L., Wickenbrock, A., Wörner, L., Wolf, F., Worm, S., Yang, Y., Zimmermann, M., Zopf, M.
Institutions: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, University of Würzburg, University of Bonn, Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR), Universität Ulm, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, University of Stuttgart, Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology, Saarland University, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Menlo Systems (Germany), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University of Koblenz and Landau, Universität Koblenz, University of Siegen, National Physical Laboratory, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Technical University of Applied Sciences Lübeck, University of Münster, Deutsches Forschungsnetz, Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter, GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Bundeswehr, Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, Paderborn University, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Cycle (Germany), Universität Hamburg, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204020220