EU scientists unveil world-first operating system for quantum network

Researchers from the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), including teams at TU Delft, QuTech, the University of Innsbruck, INRIA, and CNRS, have developed the first operating system for quantum networks, named QNodeOS.

This breakthrough signifies a pivotal leap from theoretical concepts to tangible technology.

“The goal of future quantum networks is to enable new internet applications that are impossible to achieve using only classical communication,” said the researchers in a new study.

Quantum network bridges gap between hardware, software

QNodeOS addresses the complex challenges of operating quantum networks. It has been designed to enable developers to create applications with unprecedented ease across diverse hardware platforms. 

This system effectively bridges the gap between networking hardware and software, similar to how conventional operating systems like Windows or Android function.

“The goal of our research is to bring quantum network technology to all. With QNodeOS we’re taking a big step forward. We’re making it possible – for the first time – to program and execute applications on a quantum network easily,” asserted Prof. Dr. Stephanie Wehner, Professor of Quantum Computer Science at TU Delft’s QuTech, who led the study. 

“Our work also creates a framework opening entirely new areas of quantum computer science research.”

Simplifies operation of quantum processors

Unlike previous systems that required hardware-specific coding, QNodeOS is fully programmable, which allows applications to run at a high level. This innovation simplifies the operation of quantum processors on a network, regardless of the underlying hardware. 

“Such an architecture, which has never been created before, enables developers to focus on application logic rather than hardware details,” explained Bart van der Vecht, PhD student at QuTech.

The system’s adaptability was demonstrated by its successful integration with two distinct types of quantum processors: trapped ion processors and those based on color centers in diamond. 

“Our trapped ion processors work fundamentally differently than those based on color centers in diamond, yet we have shown QNodeOS can work with both of them,” highlighted Tracy Northup, Professor at the University of Innsbruck, Austria.

Challenges with quantum network

Quantum network applications present unique challenges. They differ significantly from those running on quantum computers. 

These challenges require independent programs to coordinate across network nodes through messages and quantum entanglement. QNodeOS successfully addresses this complex execution paradigm.

QNodeOS marks a significant milestone in building a scalable and practical quantum network.

“As a next step, QIA is working to provide the world access to the technology’s software and hardware components,” added a press release.

Notably, QNodeOS will be deployed on QuTech’s Quantum Network Explorer, which is a quantum internet demonstrator.

Supports ongoing global efforts

Scientists across the globe are working on making the quantum internet possible. Recently, a team of researchers in the US successfully developed and tested the first-ever transmission of a quantum entangled signal over a commercial network.

Earlier, studies conducted independently by researchers at institutes in three different countries — the Netherlands, the US, and China — have shown that sending quantum bits over a fiber optic cable over long distances is possible. In one of the studies, scientists were able to send qubits 22 miles via fiber optic cable.

The QIA team believes that their new findings will support these global efforts.

“This will enable a far broader audience to experiment, innovate and create software for quantum networks, accelerating the evolution of the field,” concluded the press release.