The European Metrology Network for Quantum Technologies (EMN-Q), established in 2019 provides active coordination of European measurement science research to maintain competitiveness in the field of quantum technologies. By promoting and facilitating knowledge sharing, collaboration and the uptake of measurement science in the development of quantum technology, the EMN-Q will establish globally accepted measurement services (SI traceable) for quantum technologies and devices.
Quantum technologies (QT) are being steadily deployed into mainstream marketplaces, with both large and start-up companies beginning to develop and integrate quantum devices into their product lines. Enhancing confidence in these technologies is essential to their success. This in turn relies on validation and certification, based on internationally agreed standards and metrological traceability (SI), implemented by independent experts.
The EMN-Q, organised in the three strategic sections Quantum Clocks & Atomic Sensors, Quantum Electronics e Quantum Photonics, supports this technological transformation.
The members of the network bring clear direction in EMN-Q strategy by defining four main areas. These represent the biggest opportunities for engagement and differentiation by
- Providing the European Quantum Industry access to an enlarged portfolio of coordinated services through the Quantum Metrology Infrastructure,
- Representing European interests in standardization and regulation for quantum technologies,
- Developing and transferring quantum measurement knowledge to the European Quantum Industry through research and innovation actions, and
- Coordinated research to improve measurement capabilities of the European Quantum Metrology Infrastructure to meet the emerging industry need.
EMN-Q implements its strategy through coordination of national and European actions that will enable EU industry to succeed through improved reliability and interoperability of QT, by means of:
- Joint research on Quantum Metrology: realization of units, calibration and measurement capabilities, quantum technology, standardisation, and scientific excellence. Research on Quantum metrology has been supported by the European Metrology Research Programmes and now in the European Partnership on Metrology.
- Coordination of national Quantum metrology infrastructures: leveraging resources of European NMIs and DIs, maintaining top-level national standards and fit-for-purpose services. EMN-Q coordinates the development of new measurement capabilities and dedicated services to meet the rapidly growing needs of the European Quantum Industry.
INRiM is a founding institute, active member and current coordinator of the EMN-Q network, contributes to the drafting of its documents and guidelines, such as the Strategic Research Agenda and the QT Roadmaps, and to the management of a broad network of Stakeholders - including large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, consortia, agencies, institutional initiatives and European projects with similar aims, research and standardisation bodies in the QT- in order to be an active part in disseminating initiatives, results and having interactions with the key experts and contacts in this sector.
A special focus of the EMN-Q will be to develop new measurement capabilities and dedicated services to serve the rapidly-growing needs of industry and research institutions in QT. These can relate not only to quantum characteristics of quantum devices, but also to metrology of key enabling technologies, metrology that can improve the supply chain for industrial quantum devices, or other industrial needs connected with quantum technologies. There are many fields of application in which QTs provide resources and capabilities relevant to societal needs and great challenges as safety, environment, health, climate, digitalization.
In this context, INRiM provides to the network its key expertise in the development of quantum measurement standards, in metrology for QT and nano-fabrication, in standardization and certification processes, in synergy with other European and international metrological bodies.
To date, in addition to INRiM, other metrological insitutes are members of the network for a total of 19 bodies representing 15 countries, which offer a fundamental contribution to define future steps, relying on a proven track record of coordinating successful collaborative research projects, Use Cases and publications of high scientific impact related to QT metrology research.
Moreover, thanks to the EMN-Q’s substantial portfolio of services and measurement capabilities, INRiM has guided the participation of some network members in the projects Horizon Europe Framework Partnership Agreement Qu-Test e Qu-Pilot, with the aim of supporting both QT research and industry in Europe and implementing easily accessible calibration facilities and dedicated services for a wide range of measurement and nano-fabrication requirements, to meet the rapidly growing needs in this field.