QUDOT-TECH · Project

Chip-Scale Quantum Light Sources for Secure Communication and Computing

digitalPrototypeTRL 3Thin data (2/5)

qudot-tech.cea.fr

Imagine tiny semiconductor crystals — quantum dots — that can shoot out single particles of light on demand, like a perfectly timed pitching machine for photons. QUDOT-TECH brought together 10 European labs and companies to build the first fully integrated chip that generates, routes, and detects these single photons — all on one tiny platform. Think of it as trying to build the "silicon transistor moment" for quantum technology: the basic building block that makes everything else possible. The project also trained 15 early-career researchers to bridge the gap between lab science and real quantum products.

By the numbers

Early-stage researchers trained in quantum information technology

Consortium partners across Europe

Countries represented in the consortium

>0.90

Single-photon indistinguishability target achieved

>0.75

On-chip single-photon detection efficiency

0.90

Target coupling efficiency for single-photon source design

45+

ISI papers published

>0.8

Fidelity of entangled photon pair sources

The business problem

What needed solving

Current quantum information technologies cannot scale beyond laboratory experiments because generating, routing, and detecting single photons requires bulky, fragile optical setups that are impossible to manufacture at volume. Companies building quantum-secure communication or quantum computing hardware are stuck waiting for integrated, chip-scale photon sources that work reliably. Without solving this integration challenge, quantum technology remains a lab curiosity rather than a deployable product.

The solution

What was built

The project developed on-chip quantum dot single-photon sources targeting greater than 0.90 indistinguishability and greater than 0.6 brightness, entangled photon pair sources with greater than 0.8 fidelity, on-chip single-photon detectors with greater than 0.75 efficiency, and spin-photon entanglement capabilities. In total, 19 deliverables were produced along with 45+ peer-reviewed publications.

Audience

Who needs this

Telecom operators building quantum key distribution networksQuantum computing startups developing photonic processorsCybersecurity firms preparing post-quantum encryption infrastructureSensor manufacturers seeking quantum-enhanced precision measurementDefense and aerospace companies requiring secure quantum communication

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Telecommunications & Cybersecurity

enterprise

Target: Telecom operators and cybersecurity firms developing quantum-secure communication networks

If you are a telecom provider or cybersecurity firm worried about future quantum computers breaking today's encryption — this project developed on-chip single-photon sources with greater than 0.90 indistinguishability and greater than 0.75 detection efficiency, the core hardware needed for quantum key distribution. These integrated chips could replace bulky lab setups with compact, scalable modules for your network infrastructure.

Quantum Computing Hardware

SME

Target: Companies building photonic quantum processors and quantum networking equipment

If you are a quantum computing startup struggling with scalability of your photon-based processor — this project built sources of entangled photon pairs with fidelity greater than 0.8 and coupling efficiency of 0.90, all moving toward full on-chip integration. Instead of assembling fragile optical-table setups, you could integrate these quantum dot sources directly into your photonic chips, cutting costs and improving reliability.

Precision Sensing & Metrology

mid-size

Target: Companies developing quantum-enhanced sensors for medical imaging, navigation, or industrial inspection

If you are a sensor manufacturer looking for the next leap in measurement precision — this project demonstrated ultrabright single-photon sources with greater than 0.6 efficiency and spin-photon entanglement capabilities. These technologies enable quantum-enhanced sensing that can detect signals far below classical noise limits, opening doors for medical diagnostics or ultra-precise industrial measurement.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to access or license this technology?

The project was an MSCA training network, so IP is distributed across 10 consortium partners including 2 industrial companies. Licensing terms would need to be negotiated with individual partners — likely Danmarks Tekniske Universitet as coordinator or the specific partner that developed the component you need. Early-stage quantum photonic components typically carry R&D licensing costs rather than off-the-shelf pricing.

Can this technology scale to industrial production?

The project's explicit goal was solving the scalability bottleneck in quantum information technology. Deliverables targeted on-chip integration with 0.90 coupling efficiency, which is the path toward manufacturing-compatible designs. However, this remains at the research-to-prototype stage — volume production would require further engineering and semiconductor foundry partnerships.

What is the IP situation and how can I license it?

IP generated by 15 ESRs across 10 institutions in 5 countries means ownership is shared among consortium members. The 2 industrial partners and 2 SMEs in the consortium likely have preferential access. External companies should contact the coordinator at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet to discuss licensing specific components or results.

How does this compare to competing quantum photonic platforms?

QUDOT-TECH positions semiconductor quantum dots as the most mature quantum information technology available. Their targets — greater than 0.90 single-photon indistinguishability and greater than 0.75 on-chip detection efficiency — represent performance levels competitive with leading international efforts. The consortium published 45 or more ISI papers, indicating strong peer-validated results.

What is the timeline to a commercial product?

The project ran from 2020 to June 2024 and is now closed. Results are at prototype and demonstration stage. Based on available project data, commercial quantum photonic products based on this technology would likely need an additional development cycle of several years, including engineering for manufacturability and reliability testing.

Is there regulatory approval needed for quantum communication products?

Quantum key distribution and quantum communication hardware fall under telecom regulations and national security frameworks. The EU Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative is creating standards. Based on available project data, the project itself did not address regulatory certification, but the underlying technology aligns with EU quantum strategy priorities.

Consortium

Who built it

The QUDOT-TECH consortium brings together 10 partners from 5 countries (Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, France, UK), with a healthy mix of 6 universities, 2 research organizations, and 2 industrial partners including 2 SMEs. The 20% industry ratio is typical for a training network but signals real commercial interest in quantum dot technology. Denmark's Technical University leads coordination, and the presence of industry partners suggests some pathway toward commercialization exists beyond pure research. For a business looking to engage, the industrial partners would be the natural first contact for technology transfer, while the university partners hold deep expertise in the underlying physics.

DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITETCoordinator · DK
SWABIAN INSTRUMENTS GMBHparticipant · DE
THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGEparticipant · UK
UNIVERSITAT BASELparticipant · CH
COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESparticipant · FR
KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITETparticipant · DK
TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT BERLINparticipant · DE
RUHR-UNIVERSITAET BOCHUMparticipant · DE
QUANDELAparticipant · FR
CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRSparticipant · FR

How to reach the team

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU), Denmark — reach out to the Quantum Photonics group

Order a report on this consortium See DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how quantum dot photonics could strengthen your secure communications or sensing roadmap? SciTransfer can connect you with the right research partner from this consortium.

Order a report on this topic More in Digital & ICT