Harvard Professor Marko Lončar Outlines Photonics for Quantum Networking

Optical Fibre Networks Link Quantum Systems and Detect Ocean Earthquakes

Harvard University Professor Marko Lončar outlined a vision for linking disparate quantum computers using photonics at the Summer School on Optical Communication 2026, held from September 2-5 at Trinity College Dublin. The event brought together researchers to examine how optical fibre technologies can extend past standard data transmission into quantum networking and global seismic sensing.

Mikael Mazur of Nokia Bell Labs detailed research showing that existing subsea telecommunications cables can function as large-scale sensor networks. This repurposing strategy extends seismic monitoring to marine regions that currently lack dedicated equipment, offering a cost-effective alternative to deploying new sensors on the ocean floor.

Shifting Signal Processing to the Optical Domain

Professor Ioannis Tomkos of the University of Patras discussed shifting signal processing from electronic components to the optical domain. This transition aims to alleviate bandwidth and power constraints as artificial intelligence applications grow more complex, improving connectivity speeds while reducing the environmental impact of data processing.

Industry collaboration is accelerating these developments. Aurora Telecom’s national fibre network provides a live testing ground for advanced optical and quantum communications experiments running between Dublin and Galway.

The pace of innovation in communications technology is accelerating, making collaboration between industry and academia more important than ever, said James Freeman, Fibre Manager in Aurora Telecom. Freeman noted that the company works closely with CONNECT on active research programmes to test next-generation technologies.

Scaling Modular Quantum Processors

Marko Lončar focused on photonics as the primary mechanism for connecting separate quantum computing systems. His presentation detailed technologies that could link modular processors to build larger quantum architectures.

Photonics already connects our information world through optical fibres. The question now is how we can use that expertise to connect quantum systems and enable the next generation of quantum technologies.

Beyond quantum networking and subsea sensing, researchers explored infrastructure health assessment and environmental monitoring. Dr Kaida Kaeval of Tallinn University of Technology presented work on combining communications network data with dedicated sensing equipment to monitor critical infrastructure.

Machine Learning Optimization for Optical Networks

Professor Massimo Tornatore of Politecnico di Milano outlined how machine learning algorithms can optimize network performance, allocate resources efficiently, and proactively manage system failures. Participants gained practical experience with these methods during a hands-on AI hackathon led by Dmitrii Briantcev, a CONNECT postdoctoral researcher, using a digital twin of an optical network.

Meanwhile, Professor Marco Lucamarini of the University of York addressed quantum key distribution developments, discussing methods to extend transmission ranges and build smaller, deployable devices.

Events like this are about much more than the technical programme, said Professor Dan Kilper, Director of CONNECT at Trinity College Dublin. They bring students, researchers and industry together to exchange ideas, learn from one another and build connections.

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