Grants and Contributions:
Title:
Beyond the PLOB Bound: Multimode Quantum Networks for Sensing and Metrology
Agreement Number:
1040637
Agreement Value:
$374,990.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 31, 2029
Description:
The Project aims to overcome fundamental limits in quantum communication and establish Canada as a leader in quantum networking. Today’s systems are restricted by photon loss in fibers, where the so-called PLOB bound sets the ultimate limit for secure direct communication. The project team’s approach introduces a multimode, cavity QED-based repeater architecture with chiral light-matter coupling. This enables highly efficient entanglement distribution, directional photon interactions, and multiplexed quantum memory. These advances are expected to surpass the PLOB bound by 3–5 dB over metropolitan fiber networks—representing the first experimental violation of this theoretical limit. Unlike incremental progress pursued elsewhere, the Project uniquely integrates secure quantum communication with quantumenhanced sensing and metrology within NRC’s testbed as a general quantum networking infrastructure. Potential applications include entanglement-assisted interferometry for astronomy and defense, quantum key distribution, and fault-tolerant distributed computing. By creating deployment-ready, modular infrastructure, the project directly supports Canada’s National Quantum Strategy and positions the country at the forefront of global quantum technology
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.
Location:
Waterloo, Ontario, CA N2L 3G1
Reference Number:
172-2025-2026-Q4-1040637
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
119260685
Recipient Type:
Academia
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of Waterloo
Federal Riding Name:
Waterloo
Federal Riding Number:
35114
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Purpose:
Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.
NAICS Code:
541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences